Tippecanoe County CASA Training

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About Tippecanoe County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Location:

301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901, US

Mission Statement

It shouldn't hurt to be a child, yet each year in Tippecanoe County abused and neglected children are thrust into the juvenile court system. A CASA volunteer is a trained volunteer appointed by a judge to help assure placement and services are in the child's best interests. A CASA provides the judge with a carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision. The CASA talks with the Department of Child Services, the child, parents, family members, school officials, health providers and others knowledgeable about the child's history and then makes recommendations to the judge regarding services and placement options and follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved. If you are 21 years or older and have a heart for children, then consider becoming a CASA volunteer. To apply go to www.tippecanoe.in.gov/casa.

Description

In 1977, Seattle Judge, David Soukup, founded National CASA because he felt more information was needed to make sound decisions about the child abuse cases that came before him. In 1985, Tippecanoe County CASA was started by the Juvenile Judge. By 1987, twenty volunteers were trained to advocate for children. Today, we have 150 volunteers advocating for the best interests of 302 children. Tippecanoe County CASA has been involved in the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, Juvenile Assessment Pilot (JCAT), the All Children, All Families Human Rights Campaign promoting LGBTQ policies, and the use of Therapy dogs to calm nervous children. Our 2020 training schedule is February, July, and November and you can apply on-line at www.tippecanoe.in.gov/casa.