Jasper County’s newest CASA volunteers sworn in to serve children

Jasper County has two new volunteers working within the District Court system on behalf of its youngest members.

An appointment ceremony was held Friday, April 26, at the Jasper County Courthouse for Ron Bookout and Butch Hedberg, the county’s newest volunteers in the Court Appointed Special Advocate program. Both men now will be serving abused and neglected children in need of assistance.

Bookout and Hedberg have joined other volunteers with the Iowa Child Advocacy Board, which provides oversight and training for the CASA program. CASAs are people from all walks of life who make a commitment to become the “eyes and ears” of the court for the children or family to which they are assigned.

The CASA volunteer does a thorough assessment by reviewing records and talking to parents, social workers, teachers, and others who have knowledge of the child’s situation.

He or she then writes a report to the court with recommendations and continues to monitor the child’s progress by attending staff meetings and court hearings.

To volunteer, or for more information about serving children in Jasper County, contact Christine Deam-toll free at 1-855-295-5424 or at christine.deam@dia.iowa.gov.