CASA OF THE BLUEGRASS

News release

CASA of the Bluegrass has an urgent need for more volunteer advocates. Members of the community can positively impact the lives of abused and neglected children by serving as court-appointed special advocates (CASAs).      

CASA of the Bluegrass is hosting a volunteer advocate informational/orientation meeting on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Danville CASA of the Bluegrass Office, 473 W. Walnut Street. At this meeting, attendees will be provided information regarding the role of CASA volunteers and the upcoming CASA volunteer training. 

A CASA is a trained community volunteer appointed by the Hon. Bruce Petrie, family court judge for the 50th Judicial Circuit. They speak up for the best interests of abused, neglected or dependency children in Boyle and Mercer counties who are brought before court for reasons of abuse, neglect, or dependency and bring urgency to a child’s needs, both in and out of the courtroom.

CASA volunteers advocate for safety, permanency and well-being for children through independent recommendations. The role of the volunteer is defined in Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 620.00 and must comply with the National CASA Association and Kentucky CASA Association Standards for Programs.

CASA volunteer training consists of court observation, in-class sessions and homework. Training will begin on Monday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. at the CASA of the Bluegrass Office. For directions and/or additional information, please contact Jessica R. Johnson at CASA of the Bluegrass, (859) 936-3510 or jessica@casaofthebluegrass.org.

In 2018, CASA of the Bluegrass advocated for 301 individual child victims, and assisted in closing cases and finding permanency for 117 children, ensuring that they have a safe and permanent home. CASA of the Bluegrass is a Heart of Kentucky United Way partner.