See more photos from the CASA Rally on Flickr
Volunteers from Indiana’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs came from across the state and took part in a rally in Indianapolis on March 5th. Approximately 350 people clothed in blue T-shirts filled the north atrium of the State House. The goal of the rally was to draw attention to the need for more CASA volunteers and the importance of their role as a voice for vulnerable children.
There are 3,200 CASA volunteers working in 72 Indiana counties advocating on behalf of 18,613 abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children whose families are involved with the child welfare system.
Supreme Court Justice Steven David addressed those in attendance. Leslie Dunn, director of the State Office of GAL/CASA, was also one of the featured speakers. And, Danielle Pierson, a former foster youth and now on the staff at Child Advocates in Indianapolis, also spoke at the rally about her experiences in foster care and the benefits of having a child advocate.
Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard was honored for his long-time commitment to CASA and presented with a small statue of children with a plaque thanking him for his many years of commitment to CASA programs and to Indiana’s children. The Rally was sponsored by the Indiana Child Advocates Network and the State Office of GAL/CASA, of the Indiana Supreme Court, Division of State Court Administration.