Judge Hall Swears in 13 New CASA Volunteers

Posted on June 14, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

Starke County has 13 new Court Appointed Special Advocates ready to shepherd abused and neglected children through the legal system. Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall yesterday swore in the 13 newest graduates of the CASA volunteer training and applauded them for their willingness to step up and do something out of their comfort zone.

“You were willing to do it, whatever it took, because you’re interested in these children who have been abused or neglected in some fashion, and their parents have fallen down by the wayside a little bit, so you’re interested in helping them out.”

The CASA volunteers meet with the children as well as their family members, teachers, medical providers and other adults to get an insight into the child’s life and determine the best long-term option for their care.

Rock Miller of Grovertown is a retired safety manager. He was the only man to complete this CASA volunteer training course and encourages others to do likewise.

“There’s kids out there that need us, Miller said. “Our ultimate task is to reunite the family, and get the kids back into a safe home where they came from, but if that’s not the case into a safe home somewhere, whether it be in foster care or adoption.”

June Sunderland of Bass Lake is also a new CASA. She says being a CASA will be more time-consuming than she expected, but that’s OK since she is retired.

“Also, I’ll be doing more good than I anticipated. I’ll have a wider spectrum, not only helping children but helping families, and that’s a positive thing. And the children are our future, so that’s a vital thing.”

The 13 new CASA volunteers have cut the program’s backlog considerably. Collectively they will serve 20 children, as the goal is to keep families together. Starke County CASA Director Rhonda Adcock says the next training class will take place this fall. If a similar number of volunteers sign up, she says the program will be able to clear its backlog. Volunteers undergo a rigorous screening process, and applications can be turned in at any time. Email starkecountycasa@yahoo.com for more information.

We will present Tuesday’s Starke County CASA graduation ceremony Sunday at noon CDT on Kankakee Valley Viewpoints on K993. WKVI FM