Friday, 12 members of the community faced a judge, but they weren't in any kind of trouble. Actually, the newest CASA volunteers were in court to participate in a mock trial and get a taste of what's ahead.

Patty Meyers took the stand this afternoon to give her recommendations to the judge about a neglected child's court case. But this hearing is not real--it's the final test for these volunteers. They will serve as guardians ad litem for abused and neglected children in the court system.

"I first came across CASA as a teacher working with a CASA volunteer for one of my students about five years ago," she explained.

Patty was so impressed with that volunteer's work--stepping in as the court's eyes and ears when it came to her student's case--that Patty decided to join the program as soon as she retired. Friday, she answered questions from both attorneys in this mock case, just as she will for the child assigned to her.

"I think that children need a voice in court and I’d like to be that voice for them,” said Earl Salley, another recently retired new volunteer.

The CASA volunteers follow one child as they make their way through the judicial and social service system, from the time they are removed from a dangerous home, to the time they are reunited with their own parents or adopted.

"As I used to tell the parents back when I was a teacher, 'If you don't advocate for your children, no one else will.' Well, I'm actually hoping that will not be true,” Patty said. “And that I as a volunteer will be able to advocate for their child also."

The new volunteers were sworn-in by the judge after the mock-trial.

If you'd like more information about the program call the CASA office at 454-6738.