Children First, an Athens-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe homes for children in time of family crisis, is holding an upcoming information session for area residents who may be interested in volunteering. Susie Weller is Executive Director of Children First. She says they are seeking potential CASAs, or Court Appointed Special Advocates for foster children. Children in the foster care system.
Weller says the organization will provide training necessary for those who wish to volunteer. She says the situation is dire due to too few volunteers in addition to a severe staff shortage at the department of family and children services, or DFACS. There currently 140 children in Clarke County foster care who are on a waiting list for a CASA.
In addition, to CASA, Children First also administers the Safe care and SPARC programs.
