URBANA — The Champaign County Court Appointed Special Advocate program will conduct training for potential new advocates to speak up for the more than 500 abused and neglected children in the Champaign County court system.

Advocates become the "eyes and ears of the court" and work with the child and social service agencies to ensure that the best interests of the child are met throughout the court process.

"There continues to be a great need for additional volunteer advocates to work with these children. Unfortunately, the number of abuse and neglect cases in Champaign County is high and each one of these children deserves to have his or her best interest represented in the courtroom," said Rush Record, CASA executive director.

CASA provides all the training necessary to become an advocate. No specific experience is required. However, you must be at least 21 years old and a background check is required.

The 30-hour training program for new advocates begins Sept. 13.

Training will be held at the Mills Breast Cancer Institute in Urbana three times per week until graduation on Oct. 5.

More information about CASA can be found on its website at http://www.casa4kids.org or by calling the CASA office at 384-9065.

Applications need to be in by Aug. 31.