Starke County has three new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to shepherd abused and neglected children through the legal system. Circuit Judge Kim Hall administered oaths of office to Eddie Fields, Lori Reading and Patti Scaggs Tuesday in his courtroom. They each completed 30 hours of training as part of the program. CASA volunteers act in the best interest of children who end up in state custody and share information with the judge and attorneys about whether the youngsters should be returned to their parents, remain in foster care or be placed for adoption. Judge Hall says the CASA plays a critical role in the process.
An average of 27 abused or neglected children wind up in the court system each year in Starke County. CASA Executive Director Rhonda Adcock says Starke is one of the few counties without waiting lists for children in need of CASA services. Learn more about the program online at http://www.childadvocatesnetwork.org/find-your-local-program/starke-county/.
