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Lawrence County In Need Of Court Appointed Children Advocates

Last updated on Thursday, April 7, 2016

(BEDFORD) - Lawrence County is in need of guardian ad litems or court appointed special advocate (CHINS) to represent children.

The spike in local cases associated with child abuse and child neglect is growing.

According to records in 2012, 42 CHINS cases were filed in the county. The figure rose to 74 in 2013, then to 123 in 2014 and the numbers for this year are predicted to be staggering.

Juvenile Judge John Plummer III says the dramatic rise is because of drug abuse and more mothers going to jail.

All CASA volunteers are trained before representing a child. Both men and woman are needed. CASA workers must be 21 or older, undergo a basic background check and commit to 30 hours of training.

CASA volunteers conduct independent investigations. They check with schools, physicians and other sources, depending on the case. Then, they submit a report to the judge and recommend what they believe is in the best interest of the child.

Judge Plummer says the volunteers findings are important when making the best decision on the child's behalf.

To become a volunteer visit www.casaforchildren.org

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