Friday, January 30, 2009
Thank You Cory Ann!
Welcome to the new East Central CASA blog! First, I would like to thank Cory Ann from AC Ellis for getting this up and running - it is a "work in progress" but will be a fun way to keep everyone updated on the happenings of East Central CASA as well as a way for folks to get more information about who we are and what we do! It is our hope that you will check back here often! Again, thank you Cory Ann!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Fire and Ice 2009 Invitation
Here is the invitation to this years Fire and Ice Gala
Click Here for the printable pdf version of the invitation as well as RSVP card.
Outside of Invitation
Inside of Invitation
RSVP
Designed by EDJ Design of Lake Preston, SD
Click Here for the printable pdf version of the invitation as well as RSVP card.
Outside of Invitation
Inside of Invitation
RSVP
Designed by EDJ Design of Lake Preston, SD
Monday, January 26, 2009
Fire and Ice 2008
The 2008 event was held at the Old Sanctuary and Cory Ann from AC Ellis was able to get in before everyone and take these images.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Crack Booth 2008
At the 2008 Fire and Ice event was the Crack Booth. Here are some images from the booth. The booth will also be present at the 2009 event. All images taken in the Crack Booth are available for download after the event.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Friends of CASA
Friends of CASA
East Central CASA has many volunteer needs. If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of local children, but do not wish to serve as a CASA volunteer, consider becoming a member of Friends of CASA.
This group consists of people with many diverse skills, from special event planning to office help. If you would like to help plan one of our events, volunteer the day of an event, or help out with office projects, please let us know! We can always use your time and unique talents.
Call Julie at (605) 697-6106 or e-mail casadir@brookings.net
East Central CASA has many volunteer needs. If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of local children, but do not wish to serve as a CASA volunteer, consider becoming a member of Friends of CASA.
This group consists of people with many diverse skills, from special event planning to office help. If you would like to help plan one of our events, volunteer the day of an event, or help out with office projects, please let us know! We can always use your time and unique talents.
Call Julie at (605) 697-6106 or e-mail casadir@brookings.net
Staff and Board of Directors
Staff & Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of East Central CASA is a wonderful group of dedicated, hard working individuals who have volunteered many hours to ensure that the organization grows responsibly. The current board members are:
Mary Harvey, Chair
Winks Fine Jewelry
The Board of Directors of East Central CASA is a wonderful group of dedicated, hard working individuals who have volunteered many hours to ensure that the organization grows responsibly. The current board members are:
Mary Harvey, Chair
Winks Fine Jewelry
Don McCoy, Vice Chair
Brookings Health System
Mary Bjerke
Larson Manufacturing
Lisa Svobodny
Larson Manufacturing
Ashley Dahl
Flandreau Wholeness Center
Paul Lewis
Moody County Deputy States Attorney
Julie Wermers - Executive Director
casadir@bro
okings.net
Court Appointed Special Advocates
Court Appointed Special Advocates
What does having a CASA mean to an abused child? Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents, not because of something you did, but because they can't - or won't - take care of you. Now, into your life come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, social workers, judges, lawyers, and more. Having a CASA means having by your side a trained and committed adult who has been appointed by a judge to watch over and advocate for your best interests.
CASAs are the only volunteers that are appointed by a judge and empowered to stand up for an abused or neglected child in court.
The first step in becoming a CASA volunteer is attending a General Information Meeting. Call to set up a meeting..
What does having a CASA mean to an abused child? Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents, not because of something you did, but because they can't - or won't - take care of you. Now, into your life come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, social workers, judges, lawyers, and more. Having a CASA means having by your side a trained and committed adult who has been appointed by a judge to watch over and advocate for your best interests.
CASAs are the only volunteers that are appointed by a judge and empowered to stand up for an abused or neglected child in court.
The first step in becoming a CASA volunteer is attending a General Information Meeting. Call to set up a meeting..
FAQ
What is a CASA volunteer?
A CASA volunteer is an officer of the court. A judge appoints a special advocate, as mandated in SDCL 26-8A-20, to represent the best interest of an abused or neglected child in court proceedings.
A CASA volunteer provides a judge with carefully researched background details about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child's future. Each home placement case is as unique as the child involved. The CASA volunteer makes a recommendation on placement to the judge and follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved.
How do CASA volunteers investigate a case?
To prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child-school, medical, case worker reports and other documents.
How are CASA volunteers different from social service caseworkers?
Social workers generally are employed by state governments sometimes working on as many as 60 to 90 cases at a time; they are frequently unable to conduct a comprehensive investigation of each case. The CASA volunteer has more time and a smaller caseload (average of 1-2 cases) to investigate a case. The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; they are an independent appointee of the court. The CASA volunteer thoroughly examines a child's case, knows about various community resources and makes recommendations to the court independent of state agency restrictions.
How are CASA volunteers different from attorneys?
The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom-that is the role of the attorney. However, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. It is important to remember that CASA volunteers do not represent a child's wishes in court, rather, they speak for the child's best interests.
Is there a "typical" CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and possess a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. There are more than 70,000 CASA volunteers nationally. Local programs vary in number of volunteers they utilize. Aside from their CASA volunteer work, 64 percent are employed in full- or part-time jobs; the majority tends to be professionals with 58% college or university graduates. The majority (82%) of the volunteers nationwide are women.
How do CASA volunteers advocate for children?
CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They help explain to the child the events happening involving the case, reasons they are in court and the roles of the judge, lawyers and case workers. While remaining objective observers, CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes about the case.
How many cases does a CASA volunteer carry at a time?
The number varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but an average caseload is one to two.
Do lawyers, judges and social caseworkers support CASA?
Yes. Juvenile and family court judges implement the CASA program in their courtrooms and appoint volunteers. CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Does the federal government support CASA?
CASA is a priority project of the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The office encourages the establishment of new CASA programs, assists established CASA programs, and provides partial funding for the National CASA Association.
How many CASA programs exist?
There are now 930 CASA programs in every state across the country, including Washington DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
How effective are CASA programs?
Preliminary findings show that children who have been assigned CASA volunteers tend to spend less time in court and less time in the foster care system than those who do not have CASA representation. Judges have observed that CASA advocated children also have better chances of finding permanent homes.
How much time is required to volunteer?
Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 10 hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. Once initiated into the system, volunteers work about 10 hours a month.
How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved?
The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that, unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteer is a consistent figure in the proceedings and provides continuity for a child.
Are there other agencies or groups providing a similar service?
No. There are other child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to represent a child's best interests.
What children are assigned CASA volunteers?
Children who are victims of abuse and neglect and become wards of the court are assigned CASA volunteers. The program is most common in juvenile and family court cases.
How is CASA funded?
CASA programs are locally supported. United Way, fundraising events, annual giving and grants provide ongoing support. National CASA has a grant system to help start up or expand programs for tribal CASA programs. CASA programs depend on their communities to support services.
A CASA volunteer is an officer of the court. A judge appoints a special advocate, as mandated in SDCL 26-8A-20, to represent the best interest of an abused or neglected child in court proceedings.
A CASA volunteer provides a judge with carefully researched background details about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child's future. Each home placement case is as unique as the child involved. The CASA volunteer makes a recommendation on placement to the judge and follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved.
How do CASA volunteers investigate a case?
To prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child-school, medical, case worker reports and other documents.
How are CASA volunteers different from social service caseworkers?
Social workers generally are employed by state governments sometimes working on as many as 60 to 90 cases at a time; they are frequently unable to conduct a comprehensive investigation of each case. The CASA volunteer has more time and a smaller caseload (average of 1-2 cases) to investigate a case. The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; they are an independent appointee of the court. The CASA volunteer thoroughly examines a child's case, knows about various community resources and makes recommendations to the court independent of state agency restrictions.
How are CASA volunteers different from attorneys?
The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom-that is the role of the attorney. However, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. It is important to remember that CASA volunteers do not represent a child's wishes in court, rather, they speak for the child's best interests.
Is there a "typical" CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and possess a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. There are more than 70,000 CASA volunteers nationally. Local programs vary in number of volunteers they utilize. Aside from their CASA volunteer work, 64 percent are employed in full- or part-time jobs; the majority tends to be professionals with 58% college or university graduates. The majority (82%) of the volunteers nationwide are women.
How do CASA volunteers advocate for children?
CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They help explain to the child the events happening involving the case, reasons they are in court and the roles of the judge, lawyers and case workers. While remaining objective observers, CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes about the case.
How many cases does a CASA volunteer carry at a time?
The number varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but an average caseload is one to two.
Do lawyers, judges and social caseworkers support CASA?
Yes. Juvenile and family court judges implement the CASA program in their courtrooms and appoint volunteers. CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Does the federal government support CASA?
CASA is a priority project of the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The office encourages the establishment of new CASA programs, assists established CASA programs, and provides partial funding for the National CASA Association.
How many CASA programs exist?
There are now 930 CASA programs in every state across the country, including Washington DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
How effective are CASA programs?
Preliminary findings show that children who have been assigned CASA volunteers tend to spend less time in court and less time in the foster care system than those who do not have CASA representation. Judges have observed that CASA advocated children also have better chances of finding permanent homes.
How much time is required to volunteer?
Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 10 hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. Once initiated into the system, volunteers work about 10 hours a month.
How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved?
The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that, unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteer is a consistent figure in the proceedings and provides continuity for a child.
Are there other agencies or groups providing a similar service?
No. There are other child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to represent a child's best interests.
What children are assigned CASA volunteers?
Children who are victims of abuse and neglect and become wards of the court are assigned CASA volunteers. The program is most common in juvenile and family court cases.
How is CASA funded?
CASA programs are locally supported. United Way, fundraising events, annual giving and grants provide ongoing support. National CASA has a grant system to help start up or expand programs for tribal CASA programs. CASA programs depend on their communities to support services.
History
National CASA Movement
In 1976, Superior Court Judge David Soukup of Seattle, WA, saw a recurring problem in his courtroom:
"In criminal and civil cases, even though there were always many different points of view, you walked out of the courthouse at the end of the day and you said, ‘I've done my best; I can live with this decision.' But when you're involved with a child, and you're trying to decide what to do to facilitate that child's growth into a mature and happy adult, you don't feel like you have sufficient information to allow you to make the right decision. You can't walk away and leave them at the courthouse at 4 o'clock. You wonder, ‘Do I really know everything I should? Is this really right?"
To ensure he was getting all the facts and the long-term welfare of each child was being represented, Judge Soukup came up with an idea that would change America's judicial procedure and the lives of almost a million children. He obtained funding to recruit and train community volunteers to step into courtrooms on behalf of the children: the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers.
This unique concept was implemented in Seattle as a pilot program in January 1977.
By 1982 it was clear that a national association was needed to direct CASA's emerging national presence, and the National CASA Association was formed in Seattle.
On April 22, 1985, President Ronald Reagan presented the National CASA Association with the President's Volunteer Action Award for "outstanding volunteer contribution, demonstrating accomplishment through voluntary action."
In August of 1989, the American Bar Association, the country's largest professional organization of attorneys, officially endorsed the use of CASA volunteers to work with attorneys to speak for abused and neglected children in court.
Today the National CASA Association represents over 950 local CASA programs across the country, including Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It provides support for new programs, technical assistance, training, and fundraising, media, and public awareness services.
Currently, over 70,000 CASA volunteers serve approximately 280,000 children each year.
In 1976, Superior Court Judge David Soukup of Seattle, WA, saw a recurring problem in his courtroom:
"In criminal and civil cases, even though there were always many different points of view, you walked out of the courthouse at the end of the day and you said, ‘I've done my best; I can live with this decision.' But when you're involved with a child, and you're trying to decide what to do to facilitate that child's growth into a mature and happy adult, you don't feel like you have sufficient information to allow you to make the right decision. You can't walk away and leave them at the courthouse at 4 o'clock. You wonder, ‘Do I really know everything I should? Is this really right?"
To ensure he was getting all the facts and the long-term welfare of each child was being represented, Judge Soukup came up with an idea that would change America's judicial procedure and the lives of almost a million children. He obtained funding to recruit and train community volunteers to step into courtrooms on behalf of the children: the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers.
This unique concept was implemented in Seattle as a pilot program in January 1977.
By 1982 it was clear that a national association was needed to direct CASA's emerging national presence, and the National CASA Association was formed in Seattle.
On April 22, 1985, President Ronald Reagan presented the National CASA Association with the President's Volunteer Action Award for "outstanding volunteer contribution, demonstrating accomplishment through voluntary action."
In August of 1989, the American Bar Association, the country's largest professional organization of attorneys, officially endorsed the use of CASA volunteers to work with attorneys to speak for abused and neglected children in court.
Today the National CASA Association represents over 950 local CASA programs across the country, including Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It provides support for new programs, technical assistance, training, and fundraising, media, and public awareness services.
Currently, over 70,000 CASA volunteers serve approximately 280,000 children each year.
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