REGION — Interested in advocating for the best interests of a Maine child? The Maine Court Appointed Special Advocates program plans to hold its spring training for volunteer advocates from March 8 to 11. This four-day, online training is free and is designed to prepare attendees for certification as volunteer guardians ad litem in the Maine district courts.

Maine CASAs are community volunteers who are appointed to serve as guardians ad litem for children who are involved in child protection cases. The foundation of the CASA’s work is learning about the case and then advising the court what the CASA believes is in the child’s best interest. CASAs come from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds and are guided throughout the process by CASA program staff. CASAs bring their own unique perspectives to their work as volunteers.

Those interested in the training must complete an application and, if invited to participate, must also complete criminal and child protection services background checks.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact Maine CASA Legal Services Advisor Darren Defoe at 207-213-2864 or darren.defoe@courts.maine.gov.