CASA Callout

Description

CASA Information Meeting—Learn About Becoming an Advocate for Children Lafayette, Indiana: Tippecanoe County CASA is hosting an information session for community members to learn how to volunteer as CASAs. The session will take place on June 6th at 5:30 pm in the Tippecanoe County Office Building at 20 North 3rd Street in Lafayette. The CASA Information Meeting will include an informal Q & A that begins at 5:30 pm and a brief presentation at 6:00 pm. Tippecanoe County CASA encourages prospective volunteers to attend the session and submit a volunteer application at tippecanoe.in.gov/casa. CASAs, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are trained community volunteers who represent the best interest of children that are involved in the court system due to abuse or neglect. When the state steps in to protect a child's safety, a judge appoints a CASA to make independent and informed recommendations on behalf of the child. CASA volunteers come from all backgrounds. They share a commitment to improving children's lives, a willingness to learn, and an open mind towards life experiences different from their own. Although there are no prerequisites to becoming a CASA, all volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, clear an extensive background screening, and complete 30 hours of training. Volunteers take part in essential work that requires time, energy, and heart. “Tippecanoe County CASA is within arm’s reach of serving every child in the system, yet we still need community members to step up to advocate for our most vulnerable children in Tippecanoe County,” said Coleen Connor, Executive Director of the Tippecanoe County CASA Program. Because of the CASA volunteers, the wait list to receive an advocate is the lowest it has ever been. Fewer than 50 children are without a CASA. By empowering community volunteers, Tippecanoe County CASA speaks up for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Every child has the right to safety, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family. By advocating for these rights, CASA helps fulfill society’s most fundamental obligation: ensuring that children have the chance to reach their full potential in life. The Tippecanoe County CASA has advocated for children since 1987 and currently supports over 130 active volunteers. Learn more at www.tippecanoe.in.gov/casa.