Richland County CASA launches recruitment drive

The Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (RC CASA) program seeks volunteers to ensure every child is personally represented during juvenile dependency proceedings. “Our focus is to actively recruit male volunteers into our program,” said RC CASA Executive Director Paige Greene, who leads a dedicated team of staff and volunteer “Guardians ad Litem” advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Richland County Family Court system.   “We can’t control where abused and neglected children come from, but we can do something about where they end up. Please contact us to learn more about volunteer opportunities as you can be the voice for our children.”

To volunteer as a Guardian ad Litem or to learn more about Richland County CASA, contact the agency directly at: 803-576-1735, email [email protected] or visit www.rccasa.org.

In Richland County alone, an estimated 1,000 children enter the child protection system annually. After training and certification, volunteers carry out a variety of roles, ranging from investigations, court monitors and advocacy in order to present an accurate portrait of the child in court.

About Richland County Court Appointed Special Advocates (RC CASA)

Formerly the Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Project, CASA was formed in 1983 by the Junior League and governed by a non-profit board of directors. Several years later, the program was placed under the auspices of Richland County Government where it remains today. This unique public/non-profit partnership maximizes every dollar and has allowed Richland County CASA to be one of the most efficient advocacy programs in the United States. In July 2000, the program changed its name to RC CASA, resulting in a closer alignment with the National CASA Association.