QUINCY (WGEM) - Hundreds of foster children across Adams County and Western Illinois are in need of an advocate.

The Advocacy Network For Children (ANFC) hosted an accelerated Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, training course Saturday.

The course trains participants to support victims of child abuse and neglect while speaking on their behalf in court — representing the child’s interests as their case progresses.

Currently, ANFC has 83 volunteer CASAs and 482 cases within its 10-county coverage region.

Course curriculum covers a variety of topics, including trauma, resilience and communication skills, mental health, poverty and professional communication and more.

ANFC’s CASA Manager Brittany Durst said abuse is often unseen, but poses a real threat to children of all ages.

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