Child advocate volunteers needed in response to increasing number of DCS cases
The Dubois County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is seeking volunteers as the number of cases involving child abuse or neglect in 2024 is on track to exceed the number of cases in 2023.
According to Deena Hubler, director of Dubois County CASA, in 2023, they provided CASA services for 62 new children needing a CASA in 37 new cases throughout the year. As of the beginning of August this year, “we have 62 new children needing a CASA in 34 new cases,” she said.
These children, officially known as children in need of services or CHINS, have likely been removed from their homes due to criminal investigations or evidence of abuse or neglect. While the Department of Child Services works towards rehabilitation and potential reunification of the parents with the child, the CASA, or court-appointed special advocate, ensures the child’s voice is heard through that process.
By state law, all CHINS cases are required to have a CASA or guardian ad litum assigned to them.
To meet the growing demand, Hubler is seeking more volunteers to provide an essential service for these children. In the shuffle of chaos of a child entering the foster care system, CASA volunteers provide a clear voice and familiar face, advocating for their needs throughout the process.
“During a time that may be the most challenging of these children’s lives, we get to be there for them, only them,” Hubler explained. “We get to make sure their needs are met, and because of community support, we also can often find a way to get them their wants and wishes too.”
CASAs are men and women who come from all walks of life. In Dubois County, some volunteers work full-time while others are retired. The commonality between all CASA volunteers is the desire to help children succeed and a willingness to listen to them as they express their needs and wishes.
While DCS remedies the issues, the Dubois County Circuit Court monitors the case’s progress and helps determine the course of action.
“CASA volunteers are an integral part of the court process,” said Circuit Court Judge Nathan Verkamp. “It is often said that the CASA is the eyes and ears of the court.”
The reports generated by a CASA provide valuable information, including the child’s wishes and the CASA recommendations, to the judge.
“A CASA exercises their own good judgment in determining what they feel is in the child’s best interest,” said Judge Verkamp. “The reports and recommendations help facilitate a well-informed decision about what truly is best for the child.”
“CASA volunteers have a dramatic impact on the lives of the children assigned to them,” said Judge Verkamp. “Their advocacy can have a direct impact on a child’s future trajectory.”
To fulfill these requirements, a CASA will need to attend hearings for the cases they are involved in about once every three months. Child and family team meetings are held every four to six weeks, as well as personal meetings with the children they are assisting.
To become a CASA, volunteers will have to pass a background check. Afterward, they take part in a six-week course that is a mix of online classes and a two-hour weekly in-person training session.
If you want to become a volunteer, you can learn more or complete an application at duboiscountyin.org.
