The Ion Bank Foundation recently awarded a $1,000 grant to Children in Placement (CIP), Connecticut’s state affiliate of the National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association.

CIP recruits, specially trains and supervises volunteers to serve foster children and abused/neglected children in their own local communities. As a child’s guardian ad litem in child protection cases held at both Juvenile Superior and Children’s Probate Courts across Connecticut, the volunteers help investigate the best interests and court-ordered solutions that address the child’s entire well-being: physical, mental, emotional and educational. These programs are designed to help expedite the transition of foster children into a safe, permanent home.

“The Children in Placement Volunteer Advocates for abused/neglected children program provides a vital service for these children to have a strong advocate on their behalf in what can be a traumatic and wearisome court process,” Charles J. Boulier III, CEO of Ion Bank and president of the Ion Bank Foundation, said in a statement.