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National grant given for advocates of children who experienced abuse or neglect

CASA of East Tennessee supports, trains and recruits volunteers who advocate for some of the region's most vulnerable children.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Children who experienced abuse or neglect can often feel alone — like they have no one to count on.

An $8,830 grant from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children may help ensure some children never feel that way again. The grant was given to CASA of East Tennessee, which recruits and trains volunteers who advocate for children who experienced abuse.

These advocates determine a child's needs and helps care for them while in the system. They also work to find children safe and permanent homes.

The money from the grant will pay for coursework and other costs associated with helping volunteers develop the skills they need to better serve children. 

RELATED: 'Children live a lifetime before they come to school' | Teachers working to ease childhood trauma

With it, CASA of East Tennessee will recruit professionals who can teach volunteers and support them while working with children, executive director Ada Henandez-Bell said in a press release.

RELATED: Childhood trauma resources

In 2019, there were 68 active CASA of East Tenessee volunteers who helped 265 children in Knox County. There is 45 state office for CASA nationwide.

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