In the first year of its existence, Capital City CASA has inducted 17 volunteers who are working to serve children in Cole County's juvenile justice system.
CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a national organization and is one of 22 in the state of Missouri. Capital City CASA is the only CASA organization that is sponsored by Kiwanis Club.
James Kellerman, executive director, said 11 volunteers were sworn in in January after their 40 hours of required training; an additional six were sworn in just weeks ago.
The volunteer-based organization pairs a willing and trained adult with a child who is in the juvenile justice system through no fault of their own.
The volunteer is paired with the child and is asked to speak with them, their parents and other adults who interact with them on a regular basis.
Kellerman said the volunteers present information to the guardian ad litem, lawyers for the parent(s), the judge and other involved agencies.