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2. What is the role of Kentucky CASA in this process? 3. What counties in Kentucky have a CASA Program? 4. How do I volunteer if there is a CASA in my county? 5. What if I want to volunteer and there isn’t a CASA in my county? 6. How can I start a CASA Program in my county? 7. What is an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer?
Court Appointed Special Advocates are trained and supervised volunteers who work in local juvenile and family courts. A CASA volunteer is trained and supervised by a local CASA program to work with a child or children within a family who have been abused or neglected. As these children move through the court system, the CASA volunteer reviews court records, interviews those involved with the case, spends time with the child or children and works with social workers and attorneys to get a clear overview of the case. The CASA volunteer, as an extra set of eyes and ears for the courtroom, then reports findings and makes recommendations to the judge. The CASA volunteer’s main objective is to do what’s in the best interest of the child, which is to help the court find the child a permanent, safe home as soon as possible. 2. What is the role of Kentucky CASA in this process?
There are currently 19 established CASA programs throughout the state of Kentucky and several counties initiating programs at this time. Kentucky CASA supports these programs by providing training and overall support to established and start-up programs. This includes assisting with measurable, ongoing outcomes to ensure the success and strength of each program, as well as guidance through an extensive self- evaluation process required by National CASA. KY CASA also distributes money to local programs that has been granted on the state level, and maintains statewide collaboration with the Cabinet for Family and Children, AOC and community partners. Kentucky CASA also hosts an annual conference and facilitates quarterly regional meetings for its programs. 3. What counties in Kentucky have a CASA Program?
The West Region consists of McCracken, Graves, Calloway, Hopkins, Henderson and Daviess counties. In the West-Central Region Warren, Barren, Metcalfe, Jefferson and Nelson counties have established programs; Bullit, Boyle and Mercer counties have initiated programs; and Grayson, Breckenridge and Meade counties are in the initial stages of start up. The East-Central Region includes Boone, Scott, Woodford, Fayette and Bourbon counties. And the East Region consists of Madison, Clark, Bracken, Mason, Fleming, Boyd, Magoffin, Johnson, Martin, Floyd, Pike and Letcher counties. 4. How do I volunteer if there is a CASA in my county?
Go to the programs page of this web site, find the program in your county and call or email. They will explain the interview and training process, as well as your duties as a volunteer. 5. What if I want to volunteer and there isn’t a CASA in my county?
You can contact the CASA program nearest to you and volunteer in that county or consider starting a CASA program in your county. Also, you can consider being an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer for a CASA near you. 6. How can I start a CASA Program in my county?
Contact our State Director, Alex Blevins, at kycasa@bellsouth.net. We can assist you in getting judicial support and assessing the needs of your community. 7. What is an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer? VISTA volunteers are available to select CASA programs throughout the state of Kentucky. AmeriCorps*VISTA is like a domestic Peace Corps and the “volunteer” is paid a stipend and given health benefits through AmeriCorps. Volunteers serve a full-time/one year commitment in communities with high poverty. A*VISTA member serves as a “capacity builder” in a nonprofit agency and as grassroots organizer in the community. The primary goal of the VISTA volunteer is “sustainability”. Each volunteer seeks to find more CASA volunteers, help in the training process, and seeks to provide a more secure funding base for his/her program. For more information about becoming a VISTA Volunteer or for an existing CASA program contact Kentucky VISTA leader at vistasup@bellsouth.net.
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OUR MISSION KENTUCKY CASA, INC provides leadership and support for local CASA organizations that recruit and train volunteers to serve abused and neglected children as court appointed special advocates. Through statewide advocacy of the CASA mission and the provision of training, support, and resources, KY CASA partners with National CASA, local programs, and others to serve as a power voice in a child's life.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW KY CASA'S VISION & VALUE STATEMENTS
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KY CASA, 410 West
Chestnut, Ste.628, Louisville, KY 40202. 502-540-4960, kycasa@bellsouth.net
For problems or questions regarding this web contact
vistasup@bellsouth.net.
Web design by Nathan Thompson