17th Circuit Court Family Division Chief Judge Kathleen Feeney (right) swore in a group of CASA of Kent County volunteers last month.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kent County has been awarded a $212,000 grant from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) fund.
“This VOCA funding will allow our organization to grow so that we can train and supervise an additional 42 volunteers annually,” says Cathy Weirick, Executive Director of CASA. “Every child living in foster care deserves a CASA Advocate – that one person solely focused on what’s best for one child or sibling group at a time – so that his or her voice is heard in court. CASA will now be able to advocate on behalf of 300 children, almost 100 more than our current capacity allows.”
VOCA serves as a major funding source for victim services throughout the country. Each state has discretion to determine which organizations will receive funding. VOCA grants are awarded to organizations that provide victims of crimes with emotional, psychological, or physical support; restore a measure of safety and security; assist victims to stabilize their lives; and assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system. This the first time CASA of Kent County has been awarded these funds.
The VOCA award would not be possible without the support of the local community; the award requires a 20% local commitment. “The local individuals, companies and foundations that donate to CASA of Kent County helped make this award possible,” says Weirick.
CASA is a non-profit organization that empowers volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children who are wards of the court. Volunteers complete an application, interview, 30-hour training course and background checks before working with children in foster care. These volunteers can then investigate a child’s situation, build relationships with the child and monitor the child’s case. CASA’s volunteers use first-hand information and observations to help judges make the best decisions about children’s futures; a role unique within the child welfare system.
Supporting CASA, either through volunteering, grant awards or donations from the community provides what may be the only opportunity for a child who has been the victim of abuse or neglect to overcome their family trauma and build a new life. To find out more about CASA, visit www.casakentco./org, and to volunteer, visit www.casakentco.org/volunteer.
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