[ View Opportunity ]The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Project of Lexington is respected by the court system and community as an organization of qualified volunteers who consistently advocate to the court the best interest of the child, ensuring each child survives and thrives. Description: The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, CASA PROJECT OF LEXINGTON, INC., is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization committed to serving abused and neglected children. CASA represents the voices of these children in the Fayette County Family Court system and advocates for their best interests in the judicial, educational, medical, and social service communities. CASA volunteers visit with court assigned children, their parents, foster parents, teachers, social workers, therapists, and court personnel. Additional hours are spent writing court reports and testifying, providing recommendations to the court reflecting the best interests of the children to ensure that the children have a safe and permanent home. This is an opportunity to work directly with children and families and to work within the child welfare professional community. Volunteers are professionally trained and supervised. Volunteers must be 21 years of age, pass a criminal background check, and complete a 30-hour training program. History: In 1986 Don Paris, then a District Court Judge, attended The National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. There he participated in a workshop on CASA. He embraced the concept and he returned to Lexington determined to develop a program. Working with Sue Timmons, Dependency Coordinator for Juvenile Court Services, they developed the CASA Project of Lexington Advisory Board, Inc.. On February 15, 1990, the CASA Project adopted the Friend of the Court Model. In this model the judge utilizes the CASA as an impartial observer to serve as the eyes and ears of the Court. Contact people: Debra King, Program Director, (859) 253-1581, (email this person) Joe Schuler, Volunteer Coordinator, (859) 253-1581, (email this person) Office fax number: (859) 389-6971 Address: 115 Cisco Road Lexington, KY 40502 (See a map) Web Site: http://www.lexingtoncasa.com Directions: We are housed in the city's Department of Youth Services Building at 115 Cisco Road. Cisco Road is off Versailles Road, one block west of Red Mile/Forbes Road   Nearest Bus Stop: Versailles Rd/Cisco Rd, 1 minute walk Be the first person to offer feedback on this agency! Post a volunteer reflection to share your experiences with other volunteers!

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