3 new volunteers were sworn in as Court Appointed Juvenile Advocates by Judge Jay Mastin after completing their training with CAJA of Marshall County
On Wednesday, March 17, 2021, one new CAJA Volunteer was sworn in by Judge Mastin as Court Appointed Juvenile Advocate following completion of her 30 hour pre-service training. At this time, CAJA also wishes to acknowledge two volunteers that completed their training and were sworn in by Judge Mastin in March, 2020. Due to the Pandemic, CAJA could not make their picture with Judge Mastin until now. CAJA’s 2021 new volunteer is Amber Bozeman, a nurse practitioner. CAJA’s 2020 new volunteers are Angie Morrow, a real estate professional, and Melissa Ponder, a human resources professional. These three answered the call to be advocates for children.
These new CAJA volunteers join our network of volunteer advocates who stand up for abused and neglected children, giving them a voice in an overburdened child welfare system that is hard-pressed to meet their individual needs. CAJA volunteers are appointed by the court to conduct independent investigations, report their findings, and serve as “a child’s voice in court”. Children with a CAJA volunteer find safe, permanent homes more quickly, are half as likely to re-enter the foster care system, and do better in school. CAJA volunteers are making a profound difference in the lives of the children they serve.
At CAJA of Marshall County, we believe that working together, we can end abuse and neglect so that every child has a chance to thrive. CAJA volunteers include everyday citizens – teachers, businesspeople, retirees, and grandparents – who are willing to participate in a training program, commit to advocate for their assigned child while the case is in the family court system, are able to pass a criminal and Child Protective Services background check, and are over the age of 21. We are currently accepting applications for our next training class. Visit www.cajaofmarshall.org for more info and to apply online or call the CAJA office at (256) 878-1445.