AUGUSTA — Interested in speaking up for a Maine foster child? The Maine Court Appointed Special Advocates program is holding its summer training for volunteer advocates Tuesday through Friday, Aug. 12 to 15, in the Augusta area.

The four-day training is free. Attendees learn about all aspects of child advocacy work in order to be certified as a volunteer guardian ad litem for the Maine District Court.

Maine CASAs are community volunteers who are appointed to serve as guardians ad litem for children whose parents are involved in a child protection court case. CASAs conduct an investigation and then advise the judge in writing of what they believe is in the child’s best interest. The foundation of the CASA’s work is listening to and letting the judge know what the child wishes, according to Maine CASA Program Manager Libby McCullum, Esq.

Along with the application, persons will also need to provide three references and must complete a background check that includes disclosing any criminal or child protection history.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Maine CASA Program Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Leigh, Esq. at 287-5829 or email Tracy.Leigh@courts.maine.gov.