CUMMING — The executive director of a local nonprofit that advocates for abused and neglected children in Forsyth County was recently appointed to a council for the group’s national association.

Janet Walden was named to the newly formed Suburban Leadership Council by the National Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA.

Four councils — urban, suburban, rural and tribal — will advise and provide support to the National CASA Association in its work on behalf of state organizations and local programs by sharing their expertise and giving input and guidance.

“Through strong partnerships and collaborative strategies, together we will strengthen the foundation of the CASA/GAL member network, create pathways for sustainable organizational growth and generate better outcomes for the abused and neglected children served in the communities we serve,” said Tara Perry, chief executive officer of the National CASA Association.

CASA of Forsyth County recruits, trains and supports citizen-volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children going through the foster care or juvenile justice system.

CASA volunteers see their assigned children regularly and interview all the adults who impact their lives, offering judges critical information they need to ensure each child is placed in the right hands and is being cared for by the right people.

Along with 11 other CASA directors from across the nation, Walden will be sharing her expertise gained by serving abused and neglected children on a national level.

“What an exciting opportunity to collaborate with program leaders from across the nation, learn from each other and bring best practices and training ideas back to our national network, all for better outcomes for the children we serve,” Walden said.

Nationally, CASA is a network of 949 state organizations and local programs housed in 49 states and the District of Columbia.

In the past year, 76,327 CASA volunteers served more than 250,000 children nationwide.

Last year, CASA of Forsyth County served 238 children.

For more information on the local CASA program, visit forsythcountycasa.org.