The counties of Trimble, Henry and Oldham abused and neglected children are blessed with a new program that has been active since July 2006. This program is called CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children). The CASA program consists of community volunteers appointed by the Family Court Judge. These volunteers follow abused and/or neglected children through the court system. Originally this program began in Seattle, Washington. A Family Court Judge did not feel he was acquiring enough information, from the organizations involved with abused and neglected children, to make the right decisions for these children. The program has been highly successful and is now throughout the United States.

Our CASA program has grown significantly since its inception. We began with only 2 volunteers and have now expanded to 12 with several others in the process of training. Our goal is for every abused and/or neglected child to have a CASA Volunteer. In order to give everyone an opportunity to learn about the program a few CASA volunteers in the area have developed a program that can be presented to groups. It is approximately a 30 minute program, but can be adjusted if the allotted time is constrained. The evidence of child abuse and neglect in our counties is quite overwhelming. The relationship between child abuse and/or neglect at an early age and criminal behavior as an adult is frightening.

This program will survive only with community support in the form of awareness, volunteers and donations. Please contact one of the numbers below if you have a group that would be interested in a presentation or if you would like information on becoming a volunteer.

For Trimble and Henry Counties contact Kate or Dean Bowling at 255-7122. In Oldham County contact Mary Jo Robb at 222-5083. The CASA office is located in Buckner, KY. This phone number is 225-4424

Kate Bowling

Advisory/Public Relations Committee

CASA Volunteer

National CASA       Jefferson County CASA