CASA of Ohio Valley had 14 new advocates sworn in yesterday by Family Court Judge Julie Hawes Gordon. Three others were not able to make the ceremony, which means CASA has 17 new volunteer advocates, a record number for the program. These new advocates brings the total to 55 community volunteers, serving 121 child victims of abuse or neglect.
Last year there were more than 700 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in Daviess County, according to CASA of Ohio Valley Executive Director Rosemary Conder. Tragically, those numbers are trending up each year says Conder. It is her hope that some of the increase in cases is due in part to the awareness of child abuse and neglect signs and symptoms within the community. CASA and other child-focused organizations stress the importance of reporting suspicions to the authorities. While reporting suspicions is not only morally and ethically correct, it is a law in Kentucky.
“Child welfare organizations are in chaos with the overwhelming number of children they must protect,” Conder said. “Our Family Court Judge, staff, and local attorneys do all they can to expedite cases while protecting the rights of everyone involved. Having a CASA volunteer advocate appointed to a case ensures the individual needs of the child is made known to the judge. CASA volunteers develop a caring, positive relationship with the child and help identify needs and services in the best interest of the child. Judge Gordon respectfully considers the recommendations of CASA, the social workers, therapists and attorneys in making decisions for the children. CASAs provide a unique and essential service to the court. And CASA volunteers are the only ones not paid through the ordeal. They are passionate and caring, from all walks of life, with the primary goal to help a child know someone cares, and to improve the chance for family reunification if at all possible. Studies show that having one caring adult can change the outcome of a child’s life to be positive and resilient in the face of adverse experiences. CASA volunteer advocates are the one!”
