Court Appointed Special Advocates

Before the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program was established in Warren County, there was no agency or program to assist and serve the young and voiceless victims of abuse and neglect. Many of these children were in foster care, often unable to be reunited with their families or adopted by new ones. Foster care, which is designed to be temporary shelter, became a de facto permanent placement for many of these children. Numerous children in Warren County spend too many years moving from one temporary home to another. Contributing to this situation, in part, was the fact that the Youth Court judge was not provided sufficient information to determine the best placement for a child's long-term welfare. With the establishment of the CASA Program in June 1992 in Warren County, these children now have a powerful voice speaking on their behalf. The CASA Program prevents the re-victimization of children by the system. With Warren County CASA in place, the Court's ability to effectively assess the child's situation has been enhanced.

In 2004, Warren County CASA served the best interest of one hundred and forty-two children (some carried over from 2003). The CASA program makes sure that the abuse and neglect these children suffered at home do not continue as abuse and neglect at the hands of the system.

The CASA Program would not be possible without the outstanding volunteers who devote their time and energy to the abused children of the community. These children who have been physically or sexually abused and/or neglected need the caring hand and heart of someone who cares. CASA volunteers offer these things and much more. The Warren County Youth Court Judge Johnny Price swears in trained CASA volunteers as appointees of the youth court. To become a CASA volunteer no college degree or special experience is required. The sole requirements are to be a caring, compassionate person who is committed to doing what is in the best interest of a child. By becoming a CASA volunteer, you become a powerful voice in the life of a child.