Many children in South Lake Tahoe are in need of a special voice. These are children who have been abused or neglected and have not had a voice to speak for their safety and needs.

The South Lake Tahoe office of CASA El Dorado is offering a fall training class for adults interested in becoming a volunteer advocate and a powerful voice in court for children. Classes will begin Oct. 1 and will be each Monday and Wednesday through Oct. 29 from 5:30-8:30pm. Classes are at Lake Tahoe Community College in the Aspen Room.

Each person completing the training is eligible to become a CASA.

CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge and advocate for a child’s best interest in court. Many of these children have been removed from their homes and are placed in foster care. The CASA volunteer is often the only consistent person in their life during a traumatic time, serving as an advocate, a mentor, and a friend.

The CASA program in South Lake Tahoe is serving more than 100 children, but has children waiting. The requirements of a volunteer are: a heart for children and a few hours of time.

Call Amanda Morozumi or Alexis Foley at the CASA office at (530) 573.3072 for more information and to sign up for the fall training.