Newest 2023 CASA volunteers begin advocating for abused and neglected children

Nine new CASA volunteers and a state CASA employee are sworn in by Family Court Judge TIffany Yahr on June 30.

Halfway through 2023, a total of 40 central Kentucky residents have become advocates for abused and neglected children with CASA of Lexington.

“These new CASA volunteers will likely improve outcomes and create brighter futures for more than 100 children in their first year on the job,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “Kentucky has a big problem with child abuse and neglect — we are one of the worst states in the nation and have been for years. But these volunteers are helping fix things one child at a time.”

The nine newest CASA volunteers were added to the ranks on June 30, when Family Court Judge Tiffany Yahr swore them in during a ceremony at the Fayette County Circuit Courthouse.

Fayette County Family Court Judge Tiffany Yahr speaks to new CASA volunteers during a swearing in ceremony at the circuit courthouse on June 30.

“You will all be valuable assets to the court system,” Yahr said. “Thank you very, very much for taking on this work, because it really is good and valuable work.”

In order to be sworn in and matched with an abused or neglected child in need, the new volunteers completed a 30-hour class led by CASA of Lexington’s Volunteer Managers. The Volunteer Managers will also be guiding and supporting the volunteers as they take their first cases.

“We appreciate you all sacrificing your time this summer to be with us and to learn and grow in your role as advocates,” CASA of Lexington Program Manager Jenifer Bahr told the volunteers.

CASA volunteers spend an average of 5-10 hours a month volunteering. That includes visiting the child on their case, talking to people involved in the child’s life, staying up-to-date on the child’s medical and educational needs, and writing reports for the judge on the child’s case.

“After being traumatized by the original abuse or neglect that landed them in the system, many children continue to struggle because no one is truly speaking up for their needs,” Jamison said. “CASA volunteers identify problems for these children and recommend actions to help. They are the only person in the courtroom whose only concern is, ‘What is best for this child?’”

Judge Yahr encouraged the volunteers speak up whenever they have questions or concerns about what is happening with a child’s case.

“You will think in your mind, ‘How in the world could people make such terrible choices in their life?’ But it all gets balanced out by the good that you’re getting ready to do,” she said. “All four of our judges are just so grateful to have you. CASA is an invaluable piece of the court system.”

The nine newest CASA volunteers are John Bradley, Paul Huber, Rhonda Jackson, Shanita Jackson, Jory Karthikeyan, Shannon Richardson, Jan Roehl, Lauren Saini and Shanquita Williams.

If you are interested in making a difference as a CASA volunteer, CASA of Lexington’s next volunteer training begins Sept. 7, with classes on evenings and weekends at the CASA of Lexington office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr. A full training schedule is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training.