CASA of the Bluegrass announces second spring 2021 volunteer training

Published 10:23 am Tuesday, May 25, 2021

CASA OF THE BLUEGRASS

News release

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

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In Boyle and Mercer County, there are currently 329 children who have experienced abuse or neglect (according to Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts), and CASA of the Bluegrass has been appointed to 132 of them. Although CASA of the Bluegrass and its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) 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 June 15.

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, neglected, or dependent child, advocating for his or her best interests. They speak up for the children in Boyle and Mercer county who are brought before the 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 Association Standards for Programs.

CASA volunteers do not require any specific educational certification. CASA of the Bluegrass humbly seeks compassion, objectivity, and a commitment to children. In 2020 CASA of the Bluegrass advocated for 295 individual child victims and assisted in closing cases and finding permanency for 166 children, ensuring that they have a safe and permanent home. CASA of the Bluegrass is a Heart of Kentucky 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, June 15 at 6 p.m., in the CASA Office, 473 W Walnut St, Danville, KY 40423. For additional information, please contact Remonica Garr at CASA of the Bluegrass, 859-936-3510 or remonica@casaofthebluegrass.org.