Learning more about the CASA program in Marion County

Advocating for children– that’s the mission of Child Advocates, the CASA, (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program for Marion County.

Chris Mundy, Director of Volunteer Training, tells us more.

• A Court Appointed Special Advocate is a community volunteer who looks out for the best interest of children / child in the Marion County child welfare system
• Although Child Advocates only represents Marion County, we see nearly 30% of Indiana’s CHINS (Child in Need of Services) cases
• We rely on CASA volunteers to provide best interest advocacy for ~7,000 children each year
• What does it take to be a CASA?
o CASA volunteers are open-minded, responsible, excellent communicators
o Spend about 6 hours each month volunteering
 In-home/virtual visits, phone calls, court meetings, and report writing
o All CASAs must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma
• Child Advocates is currently holding information sessions and CASA volunteer trainings virtually
o Sign up for a free info session at childadvocates.net

Thank you to those who donated to Child Advocates’ Gift Card drive. The campaign has ended and raised $10,000 which will serve 2,000 children. If you would like to support abused and neglected children through the holidays and the end of the year, here are some other ways you can help them through Child Advocates’ programs: https://www.childadvocates.net/give/?fbclid=IwAR02JnvTJQPhYVwsOacw7YQ3lQw9LbS24CDitnShO8-q8g_CCywGOu0nX_8