ATSU-KCOM students become advocates for abused, neglected children
Posted: March 29, 2007
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (Mar. 29, 2007) – On March 18, nineteen ATSU-KCOM students and one student spouse took oaths of office as newly sworn Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children. Adair County Circuit Judge Russell Steele presided over the official swearing-in of the new advocates. As trained CASA volunteers, the advocates will represent the interests of children involved in certain legal proceedings.
The students volunteered to serve the Adair County CASA program after completing a service-learning elective course offered at ATSU-KCOM. The course develops the students’ written and oral communication skills and lends an understanding of difficult family dynamics, the court system, child behavior, and cultural issues.
“The Adair County CASA program advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system,” said Patricia Sexton, faculty sponsor of the KCOM CASA program. “Based on the belief that every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home, the students will work within the Adair County court system to serve as the child’s advocate and to represent the child’s best interest in juvenile court.”