Bourbon County CASA earns national certification

The Bourbon County CASA of the 6th Judicial District, Inc., was recently awarded certification by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. The certification recognizes that the local CASA chapter is in compliance with the National CASA Association's high standards for quality child advocacy.

Bourbon County CASA Program Director Christa Horn said the certification is a "stamp of excellence" from the National CASA Association and endorses the local chapter on a national level.

"This is something that is required," Horn said. "There is a rigorous set of standards we must follow concerning the national CASA's policies and procedures. Not all programs meet those standards. We met them on the first try."

CASA provides trained community volunteers who help abused or neglected children of various ages during juvenile court proceedings after the child is placed in child protective services. About 30 area volunteers are currently working with dozens of children who have become involved in the court process as a result of abuse, neglect or divorce.

National CASA Association CEO Michael Piraino said the agency's Bourbon County chapter is deserving of its national certification.

"The National CASA quality assurance process is very rigorous, and reflects our commitment to ensure every child we serve has the most powerful volunteer advocate working on their behalf," Piraino said. "This certification says Bourbon County CASA has demonstrated to us a strong capacity to provide excellent services to the abused and neglected children within their community."

Horn said the process to become certified with the national association takes about 6-8 months and requires a large amount of information to be submitted. She will not have to go through the certification process again for three years, Horn added.

"We have to submit a lot of information, it's a lot of paperwork basically," she said. "But we have a three-year hiatus now before we have to do it again."

Starting Monday, March 22, people who are accepted as volunteers in the CASA program will begin a six-week, 18-hour training course that takes place each Monday. Volunteers who complete the training process, observe a court docket and obtain courtroom experience will immediately be assigned new cases.

Horn said she currently has four new volunteers who are being trained in the program, and she receives about 2-3 new cases per week. Area residents who want to become volunteers should submit an application, after which a reference check is completed. Horn then personally interviews each applicant and screens their background as required by law.

Bourbon County CASA, which started in 1990 and is celebrating its 20th year in existence, has advocated for more than 600 children since its inception.

"The CASA program in Bourbon County has been extremely valuable to the court in making life a little bit easier for children," Judge Mark Ward said.

For more information, contact Horn at (620) 223-2407, or by e-mail at bbcocasa@cpol.net.