Al Horn is our August CASA of the Month! Supervisor Sandy Rampley nominated Al saying, “Al Horn has been on his current case for over two years. He is on his third DCS caseworker and the case itself has had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. Initially, only one child was involved but another child was born about nine months after the case opened. The children have been in foster care, returned home, and are now back in foster care. The father has been in and out of jail and is currently in prison. There has been physical abuse, domestic violence, alcoholism and severe neglect. Throughout, Al has been a steady and constant presence in the lives of these children. He has worked well with the parents, service providers and caseworkers. For his persistence, dedication and understanding, Al Horn is our August CASA of the Month.” Thanks Al for being a steady, reliable force for kids in our community! ...
Angie Raymond is our July CASA of the Month! We are so grateful to have such wonderful, dedicated volunteers such as Angie! Supervisor Beth Krouse writes, “The diversity of our CASA’s, their talents, backgrounds and skills make Monroe County CASA an outstanding program. Our July CASA of the month, Angie Raymond, is an example of those skills being put to strong advocacy for the children touched by abuse and neglect. Angie, one of our newest CASA’s, jumped into a case using her knowledge of law, sex offender programs and profiles, skills and training to bring clarity in order to push for the children she represented to get every chance at supports, therapy and interventions they needed. Her insight and investigation led to powerful testimony ensuring the children would progress through the court process allowing interventions to be put into place for them. The Monroe County CASA program is rich in knowledge and skills brought to us by our volunteers. Angie Raymond represents the children and the program in the highest standard to ensure children are heard, and supported in order to heal.” When asked why she chose to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate Angie stated, “I have extensive prior work in the field of social services and was always frustrated when the children were often forgotten in the court process. When CASA became involved with cases I was impressed that they were able to speak for the children in court. At the current time I am fortunate to be employed at Indiana University which has a strong belief in its staff being involved in the community, so the timing...
Carol Touloukian is our June CASA of the Month CASA supervisor Sandy Rampley nominated Carol saying, “Our CASA for the Month of June is Carol Touloukian. Carol has been a volunteer advocate for 7 years. She is a retired pediatrician with a special interest in serving CHINS children who have medical issues. Last fall, Carol took the case of a four year old boy who had been diagnosed with leukemia and was in relative foster care. Carol did an excellent job of communication with the family and Riley Hospital, ensuring that the parents, foster parents, and DCS had a clear understanding of the child’s medical needs/issues. In March, Carol was observing a visit between the little boy and his mother. She noted the child was very pale. Carol told the DCS caseworker that she believed he needed to be seen immediately by his pediatrician. The little boy was seen later that day and it was discovered that his hemoglobin count was dangerously low. He was sent to Riley for an immediate blood transfusion. Unfortunately, this was the beginning of deterioration in the child’s medical condition. As his health continued to decline and it became clear that he would be at Riley for a long time, Carol advocated for less supervision of contact between the child and his parents so that they could spend more time in his hospital room. As the little boy’s health became even more precarious, Carol had to make recommendations to the court as to what medical efforts should be made to extend his life. Sadly, the child died in late May, surrounded by his family....
