Nineteen in central Kentucky become volunteer advocates for abused and neglected kids

Nineteen people completed CASA volunteer training and will begin advocating for abused and neglected children in central Kentucky this summer.

Family Court Judge Joe Fooks swore in the new volunteers during their graduation ceremony on May 21 and at a family court session on May 28. Each volunteer completed a 30-hour training and has taken an oath of confidentiality so they can be matched with a child in family court who needs someone to speak up for their needs.

The 19 newest CASA volunteers are Anne De Castro, Barbara Wright, Beatriz Arroyo, Billie Miller, Caedmon Brewer, Daniel Baldwin, Dorian Lara, Ivana Djuricic, Jennifer Bustos, Kathy Gifford, Kina Phelps, Lucy Gerth, Mark Bukowski, Miranda Ellis, Nancy Corey, Rick Christman, Rosario Flores, Sarah Cummins, and Sue Carrick.

“I really do appreciate you all committing your time,” Fooks told the volunteers. “What you are doing is a great service.”

Each CASA volunteer typically gives 5 to 10 hours a month and commits to serving for at least two years. Much of their volunteer time is spent visiting their matched child. They also speak with people in the child’s life, review records, write reports and attend hearings on the child’s case. Over the next 12 months, these new volunteers may advocate for as many as 45 children.

Thank you to each of you for giving your time to get through this training,” CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison said during the graduation. “Thank you for giving of your time and yourself to do what is in the best interests of the children you’re going to be matched with.”

If you would like to learn more about CASA volunteer training or apply to become a volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.