Cards and Craps for CASA

Feb. 1—The "oohs" and "ahs" of groups gathered around four tables in the back section of Wildcat Harley Davidson echoed through the building as Casino Night brought in gamblers of all ages and stages.

Two Blackjack tables and two craps tables were surrounded by those coming out to enjoy a night not often offered in London and to show their support for the CASA organization.

Casino Night served as a fundraiser for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which serves Laurel, Knox, Clay and Jackson counties. CASA is comprised of volunteers who undergo training, then are appointed by a Family Court Judge to serve as the bridge between the judicial system and families.

Debra Hauser serves as Director of the local CASA, and said the success of the program is defined as being the advocate for minor age children who are abused, neglected, truant or have criminal charges.

"Volunteers have to pass a crime check, be 21 years old and undergo 30 hours of training," she said. "Once the training is completed — and you can do some of it online at your own pace — you are sworn in by a judge."

The CASA advocates then work with the child and its family to resolve the issues that brought the child before the court.

"The judge appoints a CASA volunteer to work with the case for individuals and families," Hauser continued. "The volunteers meet with the families at least once a month, but in the meantime they call, visit with the parents or foster parents, school officials — whatever they need to do to help the child."

The CASA volunteer then goes to court with the child and family and makes recommendations to the judge.

Family Court Judge Lucas Joyner was present for Saturday's event to show support for the program that he believes has made an emphatically positive impact.

"The importance of CASA is the opportunity to volunteer in connection with the family that isn't a court officer," Joyner said. "The family may feel they are under a microscope with court officials, Social Services or other agencies. The CASA volunteer can find resources to help families — like housing and assistance. The CASA advocate can dig a little deeper."

Now in his second year as Family Court Judge for Laurel and Knox Counties, Joyner said he has witnessed the benefits from the CASA involvement.

"This connects families to services that are available that the court can't do," he said. "This is an extra set of eyes for the child and family. CASA has actually helped kids to be able to stay in their home."

CASA programs are expanding, and volunteers are badly needed. Hauser said there are currently 15 trained volunteers to cover the 4 counties.

"We need volunteers and welcome anyone who is interested," she said.

The fundraising event on Saturday evening will help with assisting the children.

"We buy the kids things they need if they aren't able to get them," Hauser added. "It's not just about the court process. It's helping kids who have — for whatever reason — come before the court. It's good to know that there is a person there especially for them who can help."

CASA is a nationally recognized organization which operates solely on grants and donations. It is a 501c(3) nonprofit and donations are tax deductible.

New special license plates for CASA have recently been released. As with all special license plates, additional fees are imposed with the extra fee being donated to CASA.

Donations can be sent to: CASA of Clay, Knox and Laurel Counties, Inc., P.O. Box 3156, London, KY 40743.

For information on how you can become a volunteer, call (606) 389-5968 or email casaofkandl@gmail.com.