CASA of Kosciusko County has continued to grow since its inception in 1990, but is still seeking more volunteers. (Photo provided)

Court Appointed Special Advocates is a national organization that spans nearly every county in Indiana as well as all 50 states. Volunteers are counted on to obtain information on children who have found their way into the court system due to abuse, neglect or highly contested custody battles.

Although it is ultimately the judge’s decision as to how long a child will remain in the system, these volunteers make recommendations to the Judge representing the best interests of the child. Volunteers meet with parents, grandparents, friends, teachers and other people in the child’s life who are capable of providing information to the volunteer to develop the full picture of what is going on.

CASA of Kosciusko County has grown from about 10 volunteers and one part-time employee in 1990 to 57 volunteers and three full-time employees today. Despite this, there is always a need for more volunteers.

CASA prepares volunteers by providing 33 hours of initial training, laying the basic understanding of the task at hand. The classes are spread over six weeks, with two classes per week.

The training includes presentations from local professionals: lawyers, members of the drug task force and therapists. According to CASA Program Manager Janelle Meyer, after the course ends the CASA employees are there for assistance. “The training gets you started and we are there to support you as you get going into the field.”

In 2014, CASA of Kosciusko County volunteers donated 2,707 hours of service while serving 161 different children. Unfortunately the number of child abuse and/or neglect cases rose in 2014 and CASA used every volunteer available on those cases, leaving CASA unable to assist with custody disputes. CASA Executive Director Mackenzie Cloutier said, “For CASA to best serve this county caring volunteers, committed to speaking up for our children, are still very much needed.”

Although CASA requires volunteers to be 21, CASA of Kosciusko County currently has volunteers who range in age from their early 20s to their 70s and come from all walks of life. “We have volunteers from all different backgrounds and experiences, yet we are all united by the common desire to speak up for children caught in some really tough situations,” explained Meyer.

Cloutier explained that oftentimes people aren’t aware of what CASA does, or even that it exists. “I think one of the things we struggle with a lot is many people don’t know or realize they know a child who has benefitted from our services. The truth is we are working with kids who are sitting in class with your child or grandchild and they need someone to care enough to be their voice.”

Those interested in volunteer training or obtaining more information about CASA are encouraged to visit the website: casachildren.com or call (574) 372-2401.