Featured Member of the Month
Tri-County CASA
In a typical year, approximately 275 children can be in the juvenile court system of Butler County, due to abuse or neglect. Although the system is made up of caring, compassionate individuals, the volume and complexity of the cases often significantly restrict the time available to ensure a child’s basic needs and rights are protected. When a child grows up in a home of violence, abuse or neglect, it robs the child of the life they deserve and has a profound impact on our society’s future. A simple and effective solution is to have a CASA volunteer. A CASA volunteer is a trained advocate who works directly with the child and all the parties to make sure that the best interests of the child are always front-and-center. A child who has a CASA volunteer has the best chance of a successful outcome.
Members of the legal community recognized the value of the CASA program from the results of other programs throughout the state, In 2001, these individuals determined the needs of a child victim in the ju8benile court system in our local communities could best be served by the appointment of a CASA volunteer and began the process of building a program. Tri-County CASA, Inc. is a non-profit IRS 501(c)3 organization. Funding is provided by grants, fundraising efforts and donations from individuals and organizations such as United Way and El Dorado Charities.
CASA volunteers work the 13th Judicial District, which includes Butler, Greenwood and Elk Counties. 81% of the population of the Judicial District lives in Butler County, with a significant portion in Western Butler County. Child abuse and neglect are not unique to any specific area in the county. There are children in Andover who are victims and need the services provided by a CASA volunteer.
There is nothing else like CASA in the world. Our work is with the children from our local communities and is fueled by incredibly devoted volunteers. These individuals care enough that they are willing to give their time to assure a child has a safe passage towards adulthood. CASA volunteers bring dignity, hope and importance to the children served.
However, we can only serve 35% of the children in the Child welfare system today. We can’t break the cycle of abuse until every child in need has access to a CASA volunteer. We need more CASA volunteers. Volunteers come from all walks of life. No special college degree is necessary. CASA volunteers just need common sense and to care about children. Volunteers find thy not only lift up their own life, but the life of a child as well.
For more information on CASA in Butler County contact Janett Jacobs, (316) 320-0238, or email tricountycasa@gmail.com.
