Heather Jones spoke about her job as coordinator for volunteers for the Court Appointed Special Advocates program in Blaine and Kingfisher counties as guest speaker of the Kingfisher Lions Club last Thursday.

Jones said her job was to recruit and coordinate activities for volunteers to interact with children who have been removed from their homes because of evidence of abuse and neglect.

She said CASA volunteers are trained to ensure each child’s individual needs remain a priority in the overburdened child welfare system.

She added that the volunteers make sure the children they represent are safe and have the shortest possible road to a permanent home, while having the opportunity to thrive.

Even though a child might have dozens of social workers, attorneys, therapists, teachers and caregivers, they have only one CASA volunteer, ones said. She added that for these children, their CASA volunteer is the one consistent person in their lives.

Jones is actively seeking volunteers and encouraged all in attendance to contact her if they, or someone they know, may be interested in being a CASA volunteer.

Volunteers receive about 30 hours of training prior to becoming an advocate, through which they learn advocacy skills, interview techniques, and courtroom procedure.

In addition, trainees learn about child development, special needs children, cultural issues and the juvenile system.

Any adult age 21 or older with the desire and commitment to help an abused or neglected child is encouraged to volunteer, she said.

Jones was introduced to the club by Blair Coughlan.