By CHRIS AGEE
Residents of Palo Pinto and Parker Counties recently joined the growing number of Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers after being sworn into the program by respective judges.
After completing the program’s training course, the advocates are now ready to be assigned to the case of a child or children removed from a home by Child Protective Services.
Most recently, Ninfa Ruiz was sworn in as an advocate Monday by District Judge Jerry Ray.
Parker County Court at Law 2 Judge Ben Akers presided over the swearing in of three new volunteers, Cinda Parenti and Robert Haight, both of Palo Pinto County, and Parker County advocate Marianne Lusk.
The volunteers will serve as advocates on behalf of children in abuse cases and their duties include visiting victims, studying case histories and appearing in court on a regular basis.
According to CASA recruiter and trainer Trisha Duke, a new training class will begin Saturdays in January.
Anyone interested in becoming an advocate or learning more about the organization can call (940) 325-1096 or email casa@palopintocasa.com.
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