EATON — On Tuesday, Feb. 6, two new CASA Volunteers — Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children — were sworn in by the Honorable Judge Jenifer Overmeyer.

The newly appointed CASA Volunteers join 16 other dedicated community members who advocated for children in the Preble County Juvenile Court because the children have been removed from their parents due to abuse or neglect or otherwise necessitated Children Services involvement. As officers of the court, the volunteers ensure that the children’s needs are recognized, and their best interests are considered.

CASA Volunteers are asked to meet with the child regularly and authorized to interview people in the child’s life such as social workers, attorneys, and teachers. They attend court hearings and report their findings to the judge.

Numerous Preble County children are waiting for a CASA Volunteer to serve as their voice in Preble County Juvenile Court proceedings and more advocates are desperately needed. The only prerequisites for becoming a CASA volunteer are being at least 21 years of age, clearing an extensive background screening and successfully completing 30 hours of training.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer and the rewards that accompany being the voice of an abused or neglected child, contact Debbie Huff at 937-456-2762 or email [email protected].