CASA of Jefferson County Reflects on the 27th Annual Indiana GAL/CASA Conference
CASA of Jefferson County is proud to share our experiences from the recently concluded 27th Annual Indiana GAL/CASA Conference. Our dedicated staff and volunteers were in attendance, immersing themselves in the enriching sessions and discussions that took place.
The first two days, marked by the Annual Staff & Directors' Meeting, provided us with invaluable insights into new legislative updates by CASA State Director, Rae Feller, and DCS updates from Rhonda Allen, DCS Deputy Director of field operations. The conference was also a time of celebration as awards were presented to the Director, Staff, and CASA Volunteer of the Year. We are thrilled to announce that our program was recognized for having the most contact with stakeholders, children, and providers in cases.
Esteemed guest speakers, including Dr. Marilyn Stocker from Loyola Law School Civitas Law Center, representatives from Children's Commission, Every Child Indiana, Kids' Voice, and Princess Darnell, the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Coordinator with the office of DEI Indiana Supreme Court, graced the event with their expertise.
The conference was structured with breakout sessions that covered a range of pertinent topics such as:
Judge’s Panel—A View from the Bench
Communicating with Parties for Best Interest Advocacy
Separating Poverty from Neglect
Drug Addiction and Trauma Informed Care
Decompressing After Case Closure
Domestic Violence
Parent’s Panel—Voices from Those With Lived Experience
Building Relationships with and Advocating for Older Youth
Updates on the Family Law Team and the Juvenile Justice Oversight Committees
Former Foster Youth Voices (Panel Discussion)
On Saturday, we were joined by volunteers from across the state and had the privilege of hearing from two inspiring guest speakers. Melissa Roshan Potter, who grew up in the foster care system, shared her poignant journey and her current efforts in advocating for youth in foster care. Cody Clark, the Society of American Magicians Rising Star of Magic, shared his triumphant story of overcoming autism and his advocacy for the autism community.
A highlight of the conference was the art competition, where CASA kids showcased their talents across three age categories, vying for the chance to win a gift card.
Whitney Roberts, Executive Director of CASA of Jefferson County, reflected on the event, saying, "It's one of the most powerful days in my work with CASA, seeing the hundreds of CASA volunteers fill the conference room. I think sometimes, it's easy to feel like we are on an uphill battle, then suddenly we are reminded there are thousands of us out there!"
In 2022, there were 148 children in Jefferson County under the care of the Department of Child Services. CASA of Jefferson County proudly represented all 148 of these children. Serving a child in the system is a long-term commitment, and we've seen cases last from 6 months to nearly 5 years. Often, the child's CASA becomes the only constant adult in their life, emphasizing the importance of our work. CASA's reputation for consistency and dedication is not just local but is recognized nationwide.
We extend our gratitude to all who made the conference a success and look forward to continuing our mission of advocating for the children of Jefferson County.
