(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

PARKERSBURG — The head of a local agency working with children in abuse cases recently participated in a presentation at a national conference in Orlando, Fla.

Margaret Hoschar is executive director of Voices of Children, also known as CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

She spoke at the Krimes Against Kids conference, a national conference organized by the Florida Network of Child Advocacy Centers, in July.

Hoschar said she was “honored to be selected as a speaker regarding the importance of teamwork and collaboration during child abuse cases.”

CASA representatives are appointed by judges to work with children from early in a case through permanency, which often takes an average of 15 months to achieve, according to a release from CASA. Representatives visit with the child monthly and report their findings to the assigned judge.

“They are able to build lasting relationships with these children and are able to identify the needs of each child,” the release said. “Being a CASA worker is synonymous to be being the voice of the child, an advocate for their needs and often a child’s safety blanket to help navigate the journey through the child abuse system.”

CASA volunteers have access to records of all members of the family including medical, school and mental health, the release said. Courts rely heavily on the CASA reports and listen to their recommendations, it said.

CASA serves more than 600 children in Wood and Wirt counties, with only two paid employees and a host of volunteers, the release said.

CASA relies on grant funding and donations from community members. Like most agencies, the funding has been significantly cut, which impacts the ability to provide direct services, the release said.

People interested in serving as volunteers or making financial contributions can contact Hoschar at 304-422-3390.