CASA Opens New Offices in Carroll County

HUNTINGDON (April 23) — Carroll County has a new service to benefit children who need an adult to advocate for their needs and rights. Many of these children are abused or neglected and placed in foster care. CASA advocates for that child.
Treva Maitland is the executive director, Kim Smith is the program director and Cammy Estes is the advocate trainer. The group works with other volunteers in Carroll and Gibson counties.
Volunteers undergo 30 hours of training and donate their time and services to improve the lives of young people.
Statistically, CASA volunteers help children find permanent homes and provide resources.
Judge King said these children are sometimes physically or sexually abused or neglected. Some have never been to school. Sometimes, their medical needs are not met.
Often, it’s the CASA volunteer, an adult the child can trust to advocate for him or her.
The judge said the Department of Children’s Services works to remove a child from an undesirable situation and place the child in state custody. Then, CASA works to improve the child’s life.
Some 40 children in Carroll County are in CASA care.
CASA operates off local donations and volunteers. State grants are also available.
Dr. Lee Butler and daughter, Peyton provide the office space at 20565 E. Main, Huntingdon. Carroll Bank and Trust, Tosh Farms, and Mayor Joseph Butler and State Representative Brock Martin assisted with funding.
For more information, visit casamwtn.org. Maitland’s phone number is 731-414-3521, Smith’s is 731-415-9824, and Estes's is 731-697-7495.