CLINTON — Macon County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) announced this week it plans to offer services in DeWItt County starting within the next month.  CASA is a group that advocates for abused, neglected or dependent children.

The expansion of services has been in the planning for about a year, according to CASA representatives, with new funding from a pair of grants making the program possible.

One new staff member and between 20-30 volunteers to help those in foster care will be added for the expansion.  There are more than 40 children in foster care in DeWitt County, according to CASA.

The expansion of services is funded by a national grant from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children, and a local grant from United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the DeWitt County program can find more information at maconcountycasa.org.