Child Advocacy volunteer group, Casa for Kids is seeking additional volunteers in Tucker County. The group’s mission is to advocate for children within the Circuit Court system. Volunteers act as the voice of children within the Court.
“We are really wanting to develop the program there,” CASA for Kids Executive Director Leah Turner said.
CASA for Kids has served Tucker County since 2024, Turner said. but is seeking additional volunteers in the County to assist in the program. As part of the initiative, CASA for Kids just hired a staff member exclusively for Preston and Tucker Counties, Preston County Volunteer Supervisor Les Taylor.
According to the organization’s website, Les Taylor has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, organizational leadership and community engagement. He has previously been employed in such roles as Sheriff, operations supervisor and assistant general manager.
“He is the Supervisor,” Turner said. “He is responsible for recruiting, training and monitoring CASA volunteers that are appointed by the Circuit Court to advocate for children there in Tucker County.”
Taylor’s responsibilities will mostly to recruit new volunteers to advocate for children in the court room and training, according to Turner. He has been visiting businesses in Tucker County, as well as Post Offices and Libraries to hand out fliers and speak with the public about CASA and what they do and working on presentations.
“So we are basically the eyes and the ears of the Court, making sure that whatever Court ordered services will be beneficial for that said child or family (and) is being completed,” Turner said.
The volunteers engage in an extensive 30 hour training, Turner said. The training encompasses the population that CASA works with, the children that have experienced trauma, different ways to communicate effectively with those children and how to gather information in the Court case.
All volunteer applicants go through a Child Protective Services background check and a Criminal Background Check. Once those are completed, applicants must go through an interview process before acceptance into the program.
Turner said that CASA also makes recommendations to the Court on effective services that would benefit the child or family best. According to Turner, the primary goal is reunification of the family.
“If the reunification is not achievable, then we recommend a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible,” Turner said. “Sometimes that’s in foster care, sometimes that’s with their family members. They have a guardianship program that’s established where their parent’s rights aren’t terminated, but they’re basically in limbo until they can petition the Court…Basically, they have to prove to the Court that they are ready to be reunified with their children.”
CASA for Kids will be hosting it’s annual gala in Morgantown Saturday, March 21st at the Erikson Alumni Center. The event is intended to raise funds to support Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for children who have entered the court system due to abuse and neglect.
This year’s theme is “Denim and Diamonds.” The event is described as “promises a bedazzling evening that blends relaxed denim with elegant sparkle, bringing the community together for a night of celebration with a serious purpose.” Last year, CASA reported over 165 attended the event. Event organizers anticipate this year’s gala to be even larger. Tickets are $110/person or $180/couple with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. for cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a buffet dinner and evening program.
For more information or to volunteer, go to www.casaforkidsmpc.org or call 304-599-1087. A volunteer application is available on the organization’s website. CASA for Kids serves Monongalia, Preston and Tucker Counties.
