CASA, cont.
to be met.”
Kruger emphasized the efforts made by educators and staff, “And boy we sure worked at it at school. The nurse had extra crackers and would make sure they had some things they could eat if they were hungry. We worked at finding resources to supplement whatever those needs were. But, I always felt that there was something more that needed to be done.”
Kruger was one of the original CASA volunteers when CASA was established in Marshall County. “When there was an article in 2001 about CASA, and that’s when it actually originated in our county.
Judge Michael Cook was very interested and he had a group of community members who also shared that vision.
When I saw the article and they talked about it would be trained volunteers who would actually work with the children I knew that’s what I wanted to do.
I was actually, in 2002, in the first training that was done right here in the county. In 2001 they did a training with Kosciusko County. Then in 2002 the very first Director was Jean Birchmeier and she did a training in 2002. My husband and I were both a part of that training.”
Kruger continued, “But there was much community input as it was started in terms of they of course needed a lawyer help them file all of the appropriate paperwork. It was started with support from the community. Of course then it took the support of the County Commissioners and the County Council. Judge Cook was able to stir that interest in the hearts of the people.”
Keller
Keller noted continued support from the county. “We still have the support of the Commissioners and the County Council. This year we were one of the fortunate that they did provide the extra funding that we needed to match the state grant that we received. So that’s fantastic.”
Keller added support from the Marshall County Neighborhood Center and Blessings in a Backpack programs. “I think as a community we’ve been seeing more support. When we focus on the adults, sometimes the children get forgotten. Even though their parents may be addicted to a drug or having issues, we forget about the kids who are also traumatized at that time.”
She will be obtaining professional development in Washington DC in June. “I just received the National CASA grant to attend the Washington DC National Convention this year for the CASA / GAL. (Guardian ad Litem). It’s in June. It will be professional development for directors.”
Keller will be connected to non-profit groups that are integral supporters of the CASA program. Those connections will help her develop and implement fundraising efforts.
National CASA: “Change a Child’s Story”
Keller said that CASA National embraced a new theme: “Change a Child’s Story.”
CASA Marshall County
The mission of the CASA program in Marshall County states:
CASA of Marshall County is a nonprofit organization committed to speaking in the best interest of children who are at risk for abuse and neglect.
CASA recruits, trains and supports volunteers to serve at-risk children in the family court system.
The purpose of CASA is to provide advocacy for children of Marshall County who are parties to or affected by litigation involving abuse and/or neglect.
Court-ordered CASA involvement may include the following situations:
•Children in Need of Services (CHINS)
•Termination of Parental Rights
•Adoption Proceedings
•Guardianship Proceedings
CASA Volunteers Needed
When asked what CASA Marshall County needs the most; Keller said “Volunteers.” CASA volunteer training isn’t scheduled yet, however Keller anticipates April.
Marshall County has 26 current CASA volunteers; in addition to the Board of Directors. Keller has set a goal for 10 more volunteers to train this year.
Applications for CASA volunteer training are available online at www. marshallcountycasa.org.
To be a CASA volunteer one must be 21 years of age or older, have a genuine concern for the well being of children, possess the ability to remain objective, have a realistic view of a child’s needs, has a commitment to complete the initial training program and work well with others, possess the maturity to understand and deal with complex and emotional situations, and have the ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing.
CASA volunteers are tasked with four key roles and responsibilities; fact finder, advocate, facilitator, and monitor.
As a fact finder, the volunteer must search for relevant facts and ensure that those facts are before the court at every hearing.
As an advocator, the volunteer must present to the court their independent assessment of the child’s needs and interests. They must also prepare and present a statement of the wishes of the child, and ensure the child’s legal rights, needs and interests are protected.
As a facilitator, the volunteer will assist the court, parent, guardian or custodian, social services and legal counsel in the resolution of the problems relating to the delivery of services.
As a monitor, the volunteer will ensure that all parties comply with the orders of the court and inform the court of any situation that may require a modification. The volunteer must be prepared to initiate proceedings to modify or review court orders when necessary to protect the interest of the child.
Keller estimates an average of 10 hours of service a month per volunteer. Brochures are available from Keller detailing complete information on how to get involved. You may also call 574-9521443.
Resilience: “Go-To” Person
Kruger added, “One of the things that hit me during training was we talked about resilience. We were talking about kids and all they are facing in society. When you look at what it is for kids who are resilient, who are able to overcome, one of the main things they talk about is having that person who is a “go to”. Someone who is very interested and who will listen to them. That’s really what CASA is all about!”
Location and Contact Information
CASA of Marshall County is located at 211 West Madison St., Plymouth.
Phone: 574-952-1443 or 574-9358723.
Email: casa@co.marshall.in.us. Mailing address (donations always welcome):
CASA of Marshall County, Inc.; P.O.Box 373, 211 West Madison St., Plymouth, IN, 46563.
Website: www.marshallcountycasa.org. some of the motels on Plymouth’s north side as permanent housing.