LA CROSSE, Wisconsin (WXOW)-- April is child abuse prevention month.
The local YWCA said we have children involved in the court system as a result of abuse and neglect from their guardians.
Back in 1977, a judge created the CASA for Kids program to learn more information about these children.
Now, the program is in all 50 states and the Virgin Islands.
The YWCA's CASA for Kids stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.
The program gives professional training to volunteer advocates who support children involved in the courts as a result of abuse and neglect.
In 2011, 48 children were part of the CASA for Kids program in La Crosse Monroe and Vernon County.
"There is a need. Good decision depend on good information. If we don't have good information, then the decision process will suffer. If we have good information, then we more likely make good decisions. When you are dealing with the lives of children, it is important that we have accurate and complete information in court and the CASA Program helps us achieve that," said Hon. Scott Horne, a La Crosse County Circuit Court Judge.
If you would like to become a CASA volunteer, you must be 21 years old, commit to one year with the program and complete 30 hours of training.
For volunteer information please contact Ruthann Schultz, CASA for Kids Program Director at (608) 781-2783 ext.223 or e-mail raschultz@ywcalax.org or Tom Rhorer, CASA for Kids Case Manager at (608) 781-2783 ext. 225 or e-mail trhorer@ywcalax.org, or Molly Hilligoss, CASA for Kids Volunteer Coordinator at (608) 781-2783 ext. 228 or e-mail mhilligoss@ywcalax.org
