Casa of South Central Kentucky Inc

Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs, are able to do things others in the social judcial system are not. They visit the children, serve as eyes and ears for the court, facillitate communication among the parties, and advocate for the children's needs to be met. Evidence indicates that children in the court system with a CASA have better outcomes than those who do not.

Recently the Cabinet for Health and Family Services workers were arranging a pre-placement adoptive visit for a profoundly handicapped 7-year-old girl. The prospective adoptive family, who lives about 180 miles away, did not have a large crib. Even though Susie cannot walk, talk, or feed herself, and has hearing and vision deficits, she can climb or roll out of a bed. For the average child this isn't significant but Susie has a severely compromised immune system. If she gets on the floor she tends to put anything found into her mouth. She can become critically ill in a very short time.

The adoptive family needed a BIG crib. A CASA volunteer was able to find a brand new, large, free crib at a thrift store in Nashville, TN. The volunteer drove to Nashville, picked up the crib and delivered it to the adoptive family before returning to Bowling Green. This enabled Susie and the family to have an overnight visit for the first time.

While this may not seem "outstanding" it was unique that a CASA volunteer could accomplish in two days what would have taken state government weeks to accomplish. Susie is important - important enough to work the hours and drive the miles to assist in the adoption process. Susie needs and deserves a safe permanent home just as all children do.