CASA looking for more volunteers in Shelby County

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - Good news in Shelby County as four new volunteers will be helping abused or neglected children.

They’ll be working with CASA, a non-profit that helps kids get through the court system.

But they need your help. They are looking for more volunteers as new cases come in weekly, and there still aren’t enough volunteers to go around.

CASA workers or volunteers are advocates for the children, they build relationships and provide support.

They are a liaison between the juvenile court system and the child that also work closely with the judge to make the best decision for their future.

Lisa Ledbetter has been a CASA volunteer for the past two and a half years after being a foster mom for over 10 years.

“I can’t tell you what it has meant to me and my life to be a part of this organization, with CASA it’s always all about the children,” said Ledbetter.

Ledbetter got involved with CASA after seeing firsthand the impact a volunteer had on her foster son.

“Mr. Larry was fabulous, [he was a] retired gentleman and he became like an uncle or grandfather figure to my foster son,” said Ledbetter.

Ledbetter said the way she was able to navigate the court system for her foster son sparked her interest in becoming one herself.

“From parent visits and different things like that and bringing that back to the process of the court system was invaluable,” Ledbetter said.

In the last two and a half years, Ledbetter has worked with four children. She says she feels the most fulfilled when working with teenagers because they are often times overlooked.

“Just think if you really want to make a difference in somebody’s life, I think being a CASA is a great start,” said Ledbetter.

Ledbetter said some of her children still reach out to this day looking for support and feedback.

For more on how to get started, background check information and their next training class, you can click here.

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