Training for child advocates in Moultonborough

LACONIA — When children are living in high-risk situations, a court in New Hampshire calls upon CASA to provide advocates for the children. In recent months, an advocate was not immediately available due to a shortage of volunteers.

Last year, CASA of New Hampshire advocated for more than 1,400 children statewide, serving 80 percent of the need. These are children who need someone to speak up for them in court. More than 100 of those children were from Belknap County.

To meet the ongoing need for new advocates, CASA needs more volunteers willing to give their time and use their voice to speak up for children who cannot speak for themselves.

“Serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate is an opportunity to reach the child who needs the support of a caring adult,” said Carolyn Cote, CASA of New Hampshire’s communications director. “Just one volunteer can make a lasting impact in the life of a victimized child or sibling group. Volunteers do not need a specialized background to do this work, we train everyday citizens to become effective advocates and provide ongoing professional training and support to help them along the way.”

CASA’s final new advocate training of 2019 is in Moultonborough on Thursday, Nov. 7. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Statewide training will begin in again in January. To learn more, visit www.casanh.org, or call Diane Valladares at 800-626-0622.