Friday Apr 20 2012 11:37 AM
1/4Volunteers who help abused and neglected children navigate the court system were honored at Pierce County Juvenile Court's annual appreciation luncheon on April 14.
The event recognized the important work done by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), and honored seven for their outstanding contributions.
The gala luncheon was sponsored by the Schultz Family Foundation, and supported by The Vault Catering Co., The Bamford Foundation and Stirnco Steele Structures. Juvenile Court staff escorted CASA volunteers, juvenile court staff and judges down the red carpet to an Oscars-style award ceremony at The Vault in downtown Tacoma.
Pierce County's program began in 1983 with three CASAs and has grown to 230 volunteers who advocate for more than 650 children.
The goal is to provide a CASA volunteer for every abused and neglected child in the Pierce County Juvenile Court system. More than 600 children do not have a CASA, so the need for more volunteers is high. The program needs individuals who are thorough, logical, reliable and have 5-10 hours per month available to volunteer. Training is provided nine times throughout the year.
More information is available at www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/juvct/dependency.htm.
CONTACT:
Carrie Appling, Juvenile Court volunteer services coordinator253-798-3837[email protected]