MOULTRIE, Ga. — Quite often it is said that our children are our greatest natural resources — that they are our future. And it goes without saying that many youngsters have a head start when it comes to social development, education and productivity.

So what about those who don’t have that edge? What about those who, for whatever reason, get started out on the “wrong foot?”

With that in mind, The CASA Kids Program (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is establishing its child advocacy services in the Juvenile Court of Colquitt County. CASA is headquartered in Thomasville.

“And we need the community’s support,” said Asun Ellis, CASA executive director.

Ellis said the program is looking for 15 people who are willing to help foster children.

“We will provide the training you need to work within the child welfare and juvenile court systems to advocate for an abused or neglected child that comes before Colquitt County Juvenile Court and enters foster care,” Elllis said.

Ellis said many people do not realize the vastness of the child welfare system or the impact it has on the lives “of our vulnerable children.”

Last year, 196 children entered foster care in Colquitt County. Ellis said these children, who came from abusive homes, had to endure the trauma of being removed from their families and adjusting to a different daily routine in a home with strangers.

The CASA volunteer’s goal is to keep up with the child’s needs and circumstances and advocate for them in court as well as the community.

“You can help these children right here in your community through this program,” said Ellis. “We are a non-profit organization which trains and supports community volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused or neglected children in Colquitt County Juvenile Court.”

More information is available at www.familyenrichmentgroup.org. Interested persons may also email familyenrichmentgroup@gmail.com. You may also call 229-225-4338.