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

For the years 2018, 2019, and 2020 Kentucky was ranked first in the nation for child abuse for three straight years according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Kentucky is ranked 5th in 2021. The 2022 fiscal year data is still being calculated. Although CASA of the Bluegrass and its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) continue to serve children each year, the need for CASA volunteers continues to grow as more children enter the court system. Meetings will be held in-person at the CASA office, one day a week for 8 weeks. Training begins on June 14, 2022 in the Danville office. CASA also offers a virtual option for those who may have time constraints.

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 or neglected child, advocating for his or her best interests. They speak up for children who are brought before the Boyle County Family 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.

CASA volunteers do not require any specific education, but must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check.  CASA of the Bluegrass seeks compassion, objectivity, and a commitment to a child’s best interest.

CASA of the Bluegrass has 43 active cases with 76 children in Boyle and Mercer County. Including CASA’s other affiliate counties Anderson and Franklin, the number of cases in total is 73 with 138 children. The state of Kentucky as a whole has 17,809 children who have been victims of child abuse and neglect as of the current fiscal year (Administrative Office of the Court records). CASA has assisted in closing cases and finding permanency for hundreds of children- ensuring that they have a safe and permanent home.  Become a CASA volunteer and join the movement in changing the life of a child. CASA of the Bluegrass is a Heart of Kentucky United Way and United Way of the Bluegrass partner.

CASA Volunteer Training consists of court observation, in-class/virtual sessions, and coursework. Training will begin on Thursday, June 14, 2022, at 5:00pm in the CASA office (475 W. Walnut St.) behind Speedway and Baskin-Robbins.  For additional information and to register, please contact Remonica Garr-Conner at CASA of the Bluegrass, 859.936.3510 or Remonica@casaofthebluegrass.org.