Mid-Ozark CASA’s newest volunteers gathered in Steelville this week for a swearing-in ceremony with Honorable Kelly Parker, 42nd Judicial Circuit.
The volunteers are Ted and Nancy Logan of Sullivan and John McGill of Bourbon. Ted Logan is retired from Central Electric in Sullivan and his wife, Nancy, is owner of Uniforms Plus in Sullivan.
Ted Logan said,“I saw the last article in the paper about CASA and noticed the photo of a friend, Howard Henson.  When I talked to Howard, I told him I thought it was a good ministry for him.”
Henson agreed and suggested that it would also be a good ministry for Ted and his wife. Henson is also responsible for recruiting John McGill of Bourbon.
CASA volunteers spend approximately 30 hours of training prior to being sworn in and assuming their duties.
Janet Jones, program director for Mid-Ozark CASA, said that although she is just completing the training for these new volunteers, she is ready to start another program for anyone who is interested in volunteering their time.
Cases involving foster children are assigned by the Circuit Court and case managers are with the Crawford County Childrens’ Division in Steelville. Volunteers coordinate with Childrens’ Division and the Guardian Ad Litem for the child in order to stay informed about the status of the child’s case and they make suggestions, recommendations and provide observations on the case as needed.
Volunteers keep track of activities in the case and provide reports for the judge’s review on a periodic basis throughout the life of the case.
If you have time to  speak up for a child, contact Mid-Ozark CASA at 573-677-2022 for more information. Also, CASA is gearing up for a Spring fundraiser auction.  If you have something new or gently used that you would like to donate, contact the CASA office and watch for details about the auction.