Gatlin Education Services, the world’s leading provider of online workforce development programs to colleges and universities, announces that they have partnered with the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association. To encourage Gatlin paralegal students to volunteer as advocates for abused and neglected children. Students who partner with CASA receive 30 hours of free advocacy training and valuable legal work experience as court-appointed advocates for children.

Rachel Buker, GES student and CASA volunteer said, “The paralegal field is very competitive and I knew that in addition to my training certificate from Gatlin, I would also need legal work experience to have an edge while job hunting,” “When I approached my instructor, Anita Whitby, about needing work experience, she connected me with CASA. Although I’ve just started my new job working at a firm that specializes in family law, I will continue to be a CASA volunteer for quite some time.”

Throughout their participation with CASA, Gatlin students will carry out an objective, systematic examination; identify resources and services for the child and facilitate a collaborative relationship between all parties involved; speak up for and plead the case of the child; and keep track of whether the orders of the court and child protective services agency plans are carried out.

Stephen Gatlin, CEO of Gatlin Education Services said, “At Gatlin our goal is to empower students with knowledge and we are pleased that we could find a positive partnership that benefits our students as well as the community.”