CASA of the Bluegrass

News release

CASA of the Bluegrass has an urgent need for volunteer advocates. Members of the community can positively impact the lives of abused and neglected children by serving as Court Appointed Special Advocates.      

Danville, Kentucky. (February 2) — In 2020, there were 176 new cases of child abuse and neglect in Boyle County. Although CASA of the Bluegrass and its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) continue to serve children each year, the need for CASA volunteers continues to grow as more children enter the court system. CASA of the Bluegrass will begin training for new volunteers on March 2.

A CASA is a trained community volunteer appointed by Honorable Bruce Petrie, Family Court Judge for the 50th Judicial Circuit. CASA volunteers work one-on-one with an abused or neglected child, advocating for his or her best interests. They speak up for children who are brought before the Boyle County Family Court and bring urgency to a child’s needs both in and out of the courtroom. CASA volunteers advocate for the safety, permanency, and well-being of 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 Network Standards for Programs.

CASA volunteers do not require any specific education, but must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check. CASA of the Bluegrass seeks compassion, objectivity, and a commitment to a child’s best interest.

In 2020 CASA of the Bluegrass advocated for 295 individual child victims across Boyle, Mercer, Anderson, and Franklin Counties. They assisted in closing cases and finding permanency for 166 children, ensuring that they have a safe and permanent home.  Become a CASA volunteer and join the movement in changing the life of a child. CASA of the Bluegrass is a Heart of Kentucky United Way and United Way of the Bluegrass partner.

CASA Volunteer Training consists of court observation, in-class/virtual sessions, and coursework. Training will begin on Tuesday, March 2 at 6 p.m., virtually (unless otherwise noted).  For additional information and to register, please contact Tami Wilson at CASA of the Bluegrass, 859.936.3510 or tami@casaofthebluegrass.org.