Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children Needed on Maui

Courts, photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The Hawaiʻi Judiciary is recruiting volunteers on Maui to be trained as advocates for abused and neglected children in the Family Court system.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates Program on Maui is seeking interested volunteers who can attend a mandatory 30-hour training course in June.

After successful completion from the course, volunteers would be appointed by a judge to represent a child, and advocate for the child’s best interests.

In order to qualify, volunteers must attend and complete the training scheduled to take place on June 16, 18, 20, 23, and 25; undergo a criminal background check; be at least 20 years old; and be willing to commit between 4 and 20 hours per month to working on a child’s case.

Officials with the Hawaiʻi Judiciary say selected individuals will gather pertinent information on a specified case, submit written recommendations to the judge, and attend court hearings on behalf of the child.

Volunteers are typically assigned one case at a time and remain on that case until the child is placed in a safe and permanent home, which may take up to 18 months, according to the Judiciary announcement.

Interested individuals are asked to call (808) 244-2729 or visit the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program online for more information.