The Court Appointed Special Advocate program recently named Shelby Lester of Muskogee and Randy Patterson of Wagoner “Advocates of the Year.”

Patterson has been a CASA since 2002 and advocated for 23 children. He has a case where he is serving three children. His countless hours and hundreds of visits to needy children have resulted in him often being requested for the most difficult cases.

Lester has been a CASA since 2005. Since she began her current case, she has been the only consistent relationship for a 10-year-old girl who has been in and out of her mother's care.

“Both Shelby and Randy exemplify the very heart of what CASA volunteers do…going above and beyond in advocating for safe, permanent homes for their CASA kids,” said Susan Hendrickson, volunteer manager.

Earl Parker, president of the board of directors, thanked Patterson, Lester and other volunteers for the more than 3,750 hours they contributed as advocates for abused and neglected children

In 2007, 69 advocates spoke up for the “best interests” of 181 children in juvenile court in Muskogee and Wagoner counties. These children are in the court system because of abuse and neglect. The single purpose of volunteer advocates is to protect and guide the child through the court system to help them find a safe, nurturing and permanent home.

Applications are being accepted for the next free advocates’ training session which will begin in September. Topics covered in the 30-hour training include courtroom procedures, social service, the juvenile justice system, and the special needs of abused and neglected children. Interviewing and information gathering skills are among the subjects covered. Courtroom observation of actual cases in progress is also included in the training.

Volunteers must be 21 years of age and consent to a background check. Volunteers are welcome from all cultures, professions, ethnic and educational backgrounds.

For more information or to request an application, call 686-8199 in Muskogee or 485-0075 in Wagoner.