CASA Hoping To Recruit 150 New Volunteers Statewide by 2006

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of NH hopes to recruit 150 new volunteers statewide to meet the current demands for guardians ad litem in abuse and neglect cases.  CASA volunteers advocate in New Hampshire’s courts in the best interests of abused and neglected children by assessing their needs and bringing important, timely information to the state’s judges so the courts can make informed decisions about the children’s futures.

CASA of New Hampshire is a non-profit organization.  Applicants must be 21 years of age or older.  Volunteers spend an average of 10-15 hours per month working on their cases; this includes visits with the child (or children) and court appearances.  Volunteers are asked to commit to the life of their cases (average:  22 months) and need the flexibility to attend court hearings during the workday (about five times a year). 

Training sessions for 2006 will be held in Manchester, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Keene, Lancaster and Rochester. The 40-hour training is taught over two weeks, with daytime and evening/weekend formats available.  Call (800) 626-0622 or visit www.nhbar.org for further information.

At the CASA 2005 Annual Meeting held this past summer, Sunny Mulligan, an attorney with the Henniker law firm of Stephen A. Cherry, was among five CASA volunteers recognized for 10 years of service as CASA guardians ad litem. NH Supreme Court Chief Justice John T. Broderick, Jr. addressed the meeting, emphasizing the importance of the justice system as a defender and protector of children, and Probate Court Administrative Judge John Maher spoke about the work of Livia Balling, CASA’s first advocate to reach a 15-year milestone of service.

Several attorneys have played important roles as board members for CASA, including James G. Cook, CASA secretary, and Daniel Callaghan, who joined the board this year.

Diane V. Peragine is the Training & Recruitment Coordinator for CASA of NH.  Contact her at (603) 626-4600, ext. 238.