While the month of April was National Child Abuse Prevention Month the awareness is an ongoing initiative and many advocates continue to exercise their role to inform the community around them.
The Dubois Court Appointed Special Advocates, are an example of volunteers who also do their part in being a resource of information as they take on the role of advocating for children who have been in an abusive or neglected environment.
Dubois County-CASA Program Director, Deena Hubler, has been with the organization since 2005 beginning as a volunteer working with the director at the time John Siebert.
Hubler elaborates on where Dubois Court Appointed Special Advocates, stands today in terms of volunteer growth and client reception.
Hubler says a few years ago there were only 17 advocates but due to the rising need for advocates based on case loads it has increased. She says during her time as a volunteer she was excited to learn that she did not have to have special field experience such as being a lawyer or social worker to be an advocate.
Back in 2008 she became the program Director and says she appreciates her role as director because it allows her to guide and empower volunteers with resources to learn about the volunteer process as they work together on providing support for children.
Hubler also says the impact of being a CASA volunteer has guided them towards the interest in becoming foster parents. She added that some volunteers have considered being both a volunteer and a foster parent. Hubler has encouraged those volunteers to consider being foster parents.
To learn more about Dubois County Court Appointed Special Advocates, volunteer testimonials, or general information visit their website at www.duboiscountycasa.org .
