What to Do If You Suspect a Child is Being Abused or Neglected
The 2019 report from the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that Indiana has the second-highest child abuse rate in the nation. The National CASA program states that in 2017, 9 out of every 1,000 U.S. children were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect. Physical abuse and neglect are two of several highly stressful, potentially traumatic experiences known as “adverse childhood experiences,” or ACEs. Children who have experienced abuse or neglect are far more likely to have experienced a large number of ACEs. Having a stable relationship with a supportive adult, such as ...
CASA Needs Diverse Volunteers to Better Advocate for Children
Monroe County CASA Monroe County CASA is a volunteer-powered program that provides representation in juvenile court for child victims of abuse and neglect. The program needs more diverse volunteers to better help more children. CASA recruits, screens, trains, and supervises adult community members who volunteer their time to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). CASAs have full legal authority set forth by the State of Indiana. CASAs provide advocacy to child victims to ensure that they remain at the forefront of the court proceedings and find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible. Child Abuse Amongst Different Groups ...
Make a Difference in Monroe County Through Volunteering
Become a Monroe County Volunteer One of the best ways to support the local community is through volunteering. The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network has compiled a list of volunteer opportunities in our community. Sign up with CASA or join groups like Bloomington Pride, Boys and Girls Club, or Big Brothers Big Sisters. You can also apply to be a part of the Commission on Status of Children and Youth or the Commission on the Status of Black Males. These commissions also have an impact on the children in our community. There are hundreds of valuable and necessary local volunteer ...
Why Racial and Cultural Representation Matters
Representation is important when looking at the impact it has on the lives of children as they grow. If there is a lack of representation, how will that affect the lives of these young children? Lack of Racial and Cultural Representation Effects Children for Life Identity Development Issues As children grow and develop their identity is shaped by observing those around them. When children do not see people around them with whom they share similarities such as religion, race, ethnicity, sexuality, and culture, they are more likely to have a harder time developing their sense of identity. Poor Self-Esteem Not ...
Local Volunteer Opportunities in Monroe County
Are you interested in gaining valuable experience while connecting with your local community? If you are looking to make a difference in the lives of others, meet new people in your community, and learn skills that will be useful for the rest of your life, volunteering may be right for you. There are many local volunteer opportunities in Monroe County that will allow you to make a meaningful contribution to the community while advocating for programs you believe are important. Local Volunteer Opportunities with a Focus on Supporting Children If you are searching for a place that offers opportunities for ...
CASA Seeking Legal Support
One of the most astonishing things about CASA is the cost-efficiency of what we do. We provide a depth of service to victimized children that couldn’t be provided by any other model without staggering cost. The magic behind this is the remarkable commitment of so many people who provide their help without financial compensation. That includes local attorneys. But we need more. Monroe County CASA maintains a roster of attorneys who have agreed to provide their services to our volunteers on a pro bono basis. But, our list of attorneys is dwindling and we’re finding ourselves with greater and greater need for legal representation in ...
Coffee with CASA – From Your House!
Join us on May 12th at 8 a.m. for Coffee with CASA from your house! If you've been thinking about becoming a CASA, this is a great time to learn more, ask questions, and chat with current CASA volunteers about what the role is really like! And the best part of all? You can join in from the comfort of your own home, with your coffee made just the way you like it! As of May 4th, 49 children were waiting for a CASA volunteer to become available. The need for volunteers is growing, so we hope you'll drop in ...
A Note From Our Director
To all of our friends and supporters, You are an important member of the Monroe County CASA team. Your support is what keeps our doors open, albeit figuratively during these challenging times. I want to assure you that your investment in the advocacy work our volunteers give to the abused children in our community is being put to your intended use. The board of directors and I want to assure you that we are stretching every dollar as far as possible while making sure that the children of Monroe County are protected. We have cancelled all upcoming events, but we ...
Coffee with CASA
Coffee with CASA July 11th Join us for Coffee with CASA on July 11th from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at the Monroe County CASA office (201 N. Morton). Monroe County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) provides advocacy for children that are involved in abuse or neglect cases in the Monroe County court system. If you have ever considered becoming a CASA volunteer or board member, now is the time! Join us over coffee and bagels to ask questions, talk to current CASA volunteers and learn more about what it is like to advocate for a child. For more information call ...
Women’s History Month – Judge Frances Hill
Judge Frances Hill at the 2013 CASA Luncheon Why did you decide to start the CASA Program in Monroe County and what was that process like? Frances Hill: In 1980 I was appointed by Monroe County Circuit Court Judge James Dixon to serve as the Juvenile Referee hearing all cases of Juvenile Delinquency (status acts and crimes by persons under 18) and civil child abuse and neglect cases referred to as Child In Need of Services (CHINS) cases. It was a natural fit for my interests and passions. Prior to that, I studied sociology and education at ...