CASA offers training

AUGUSTA — The Maine CASA program will be holding training for new volunteers in Augusta in early 2013. Applications are available now at the Maine Judicial Branch website and interested persons can also contact the CASA office with questions at casa@courts.maine.gov or 287-5403.

CASA is a program under the Maine Judicial Branch that trains everyday people to be volunteer guardians ad litem in child protection cases where children are victims of abuse or neglect. Anyone over the age of 21 is welcome to apply and training is provided at no cost to qualified applicants.

Those interested must submit an application with three references and have a personal interview prior to receiving an invitation to the four-day training. Applicants must also submit to a criminal and Department of Health and Human Services background check as well.

Invitations to training are not guaranteed. For more information please visit Maine CASA at www.courts.maine.gov/maine_courts/family/casa.