Editor, Times-Union: When I became judge in Kosciusko County Superior Court No. 1, I understood I would be presiding in the juvenile court, working with families and children in very difficult life situations. I took an oath to uphold the law to the best of my ability. Often, in order to do this, I need help getting the information in front of me to make the best decision. A Court Appointed Special Advocate plays a critical role in furnishing this information. CASA volunteers are specially trained individuals who the court appoints to protect the best interests of the children in cases involving troubled families. CASA volunteers receive no monetary compensation for their extremely important service to these children, the juvenile and family courts, and our community. CASA volunteers are truly special to Kosciusko County, donating more than 3,000 hours of service and saving taxpayers over $300,000 per year. CASA volunteers provide support and stability to the children involved during an often traumatic process and aid the juvenile and family courts by submitting detailed reports that are extremely helpful in the court’s efforts to protect children and reunify families. Kosciusko County is extremely fortunate to have the CASA program, which continues to provide excellent dedicated service. Unfortunately, the number of cases needing CASA volunteers continues to increase. As a result, the CASA program needs more people to step up and volunteer. CASA currently is using all 52 volunteers to work for 86 children involved with the Department of Child Services and or caught in violate custody battles. There still remain many more matters in which the court could utilize a CASA volunteer. For anyone wanting to make a big difference in the life of a vulnerable child. I urge you to consider filling the need for CASA volunteers. For more information on how you can become a CASA volunteer, visit www.casachildren.com or call 574-372-2401. David C. Cates, judge Kosciusko Superior Court No. 1
