The Indiana Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) selected Eugene Wease from Lake County to receive the CASA Award at their Annual Representatives’ Assembly and Awards Luncheon on June 14. Each year, the IRTA recognizes an outstanding member who has served as a CASA director, staff member, or volunteer. The award was presented to Wease by Tom Mellish, Executive Director of IRTA, and Leslie Dunn, Indiana State Director o … [Read more...] about Lake County CASA volunteer wins award from IRTA
GAL/CASA
2017 CASA Day Celebration
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers took part in a celebration at the State House on March 20, 2017, sponsored by the Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Office of Court Services, GAL/CASA. More than 400 people from across the state clothed in blue t-shirts filled its north atrium, chanting “I am for the child” and “I am CASA strong.” They came to thank lawmakers for their ongoing budgetary support and recen … [Read more...] about 2017 CASA Day Celebration
Canine Companions
Courthouse dogs join CASA programs to help kids in court The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program in Delaware County just added a new four-legged member to its staff. Frankie, a two-year old female black lab, started her job at the CASA program in April. Frankie is one of only two dogs in Indiana specifically trained to help ease the fears of children in courtrooms. Going to court is stressful for anyone, … [Read more...] about Canine Companions
Bob Harkness named 2016 CASA of the Year
The State Office of GAL/CASA and the Indiana Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) began a partnership in 2007 to encourage more retired teachers to become advocates for abused and neglected children. In support of this partnership, each year the IRTA recognizes an outstanding IRTA member who has served as a CASA director, staff member or volunteer. This year, the IRTA Award for the Outstanding Contribution to CASA was … [Read more...] about Bob Harkness named 2016 CASA of the Year
Foster youth receives award at CASA Conference
Katherinne Peraza, a foster youth from Child Advocates in Indianapolis, is the recipient of the first Akerman Academic Excellence Scholarship Award, established through an endowment by the law firm Akerman, LLP to help young adults achieve a post-secondary education. The scholarship was awarded to Katherinne at the 35th annual National GAL/CASA conference in National Harbor, Maryland. Her GAL advocate, Mark Bass, of … [Read more...] about Foster youth receives award at CASA Conference