CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Onboarding training sessions are about to begin in Cheyenne for adults interested in protecting the rights of and building relationships with children.
The volunteer-based association CASA of Laramie County has trainings scheduled to take place throughout the month of June. Starting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, members of the public can drop in on training sessions at the local organization’s location at 1616 E. 19th St. in Cheyenne to learn about what it means to serve as an advocate for victimized children.
“I believe in this program wholeheartedly and the difference advocates make,” said Sarah Urbanek, executive director of CASA of Laramie County, at a May volunteer orientation.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates and works primarily with foster children to protect their rights, Urbanek said. The organization’s ultimate goal is to reunify children with parents. Advocates play a special part in this as they develop relationships with abused or neglected youth to better understand their needs and learn how they’re doing socially and emotionally. These efforts go far, as children with CASA advocates are much less likely to spend time in foster care than children without an advocate, according to data from Urbanek. In addition, a child represented by a CASA advocate is less likely to reenter the child welfare system.
Currently, the Laramie County CASA chapter serves 61 children across 36 advocates. Urbanek said around 30 children are classified as “high needs,” which means their families require a lot of resources or the child is struggling. Around 80 children in the county currently don’t have an advocate to stand up on their behalf.
In addition to working with children, volunteers serve as a point of contact for parents and other adults involved in a child’s life. An advocate can expect to write reports for judges who are handling a child’s case, too. CASA advocates can expect to spend five to 10 hours a month working with their assigned child, according to Urbanek.
The training schedule will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the following days:
- Tuesday, June 4
- Thursday, June 6
- Monday, June 10
- Friday, June 14
- Tuesday, June 18
- Thursday, June 20
- Tuesday, June 25
- Thursday, June 27
To view the CASA advocate volunteer application, visit the organization’s website here. For additional questions, call CASA of Laramie County at 307-222-1902.