What was not stated in the article about CASA volunteers, “Court appointed advocates serve as voice for abused and neglected kids” (July 6), is that Connecticut has a robust system for protecting abused and neglected children that come into the “system.” That is, that every single child who is the subject of a neglect petition is appointed, automatically, a lawyer with special training and competence, who represents that child throughout the duration of the case. That advocate (lawyer) has the responsibility to protect the child from everyone — parents, department social workers and foster parents, and represents and advocates for that child as a party equal to all of the other parties just identified, regardless of the age of the child.

While CASA volunteers are necessary in jurisdictions that do not choose to appoint lawyers to represent children, in Connecticut, the Judicial Branch rarely needs the services of CASA volunteers.

Douglas J. Monaghan

Ledyard