(March 5, 2012) Representatives of Montgomery County CASA volunteers and staff participated in the inaugural CASA Day at the Indiana State House on Monday, March 5th. Montgomery County joined representatives from 47 other counties from the State rallying for the CASA program volunteers.
CASA volunteers advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in the child welfare system. They are able to provide a voice in the court for the child, making sure the child’s best interests are presented to the court system. They also strive to have the child in a permanent, safe and loving home as soon as possible.
In the state of Indiana there are 3,200 CASA volunteers who advocate on behalf of more than 18,000 children. Their volunteer efforts save the State $25 million dollars annually. Almost 350 of those volunteers were at the State House today.
Speakers included Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, who was honored for his support of the CASA program. Supreme Court Justice Steve David also spoke to the CASA volunteers and staff about the importance of their work. Finally, a former foster child, now serving as a child advocate, talked about the importance of advocating for those who are suffering abuse and neglect.
Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau’s CASA Director Jane Christophersen said “It was exhilarating to be with so many CASAs who made the trip to the State House to rally for abused and neglected children. I also really appreciated Senator Boots taking the time to come talk to our group.”
The CASA program is now accepting volunteer applications so every Child in Need of Services (CHINS) can be helped by a trained adult CASA volunteer who will act as an advocate and voice for the child. There will be a training session for these volunteers starting the week of April 16th.
If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, please contact Jane Christophersen at 362-0694 ext. 13. She will discuss how you can start meeting the needs of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.
CASA is a program of the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau. The Youth Service Bureau, founded in 1971 by the Montgomery County League of Women Voters, helps children become productive citizens through delinquency prevention, referral services, community education and youth advocacy.
CASA Day was sponsored by the Indiana Child Advocates Network and the State Office of GAL/CASA, of the Indiana Supreme Court, Division of State Court Administration.
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