Maui volunteers are sought to help keiki when they need someone in their corner the most.

Volunteers for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) assist the Family Court system by being advocates for abused and neglected children in need.

“We are volunteers who are the voice in court for children that have been sexually or physical abused,” explained Robin Kennedy-Oshio, president of Friends of CASA Hawaii.

In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers change that, she said.

The Maui branch seeks volunteers for training that begins on June 16. Those who complete the course are certified by the State Judiciary to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children.

They typically handle one case at a time, committed to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.

According to Kennedy-Oshio, while others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant a child needs in order to thrive.

“CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. Over half of our volunteers work full-time. All you need is common sense and to care about children. We won’t throw you in headfirst. After you receive your training, we will support you with a staff of professionals in the legal and child welfare fields,” Kennedy-Oshio wrote.

For more information, visit CASAHawaii.org or call 244-2729.

“Maui’s children need your support,” she concluded.