The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kosciusko County attended the second annual CASA Rally at the Indiana State House on Monday. More than 300 CASA representatives from counties throughout Indiana gathered to draw attention to the need for more CASA volunteers and the importance of their role as a voice for vulnerable children. Seventy-three Indiana counties provide nearly 3,500 CASA volunteers advocating on behalf of 18,699 abused and neglected children, according to information provided. Across Indiana, volunteers have donated 332,733 hours and saved taxpayers more than $16.6 million. Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma thanked the advocates for their dedication to children, and Judge Viola Taliaferro addressed the important role volunteers play in protecting children. 2010 Indiana State CASA Volunteer of the Year Bud Heron and the foster child he advocated for also spoke about their relationship and how it has changed their lives. The Rally was sponsored by the Indiana Child Advocates Network and the State Office of GAL/CASA, of the Indiana Supreme Court, Division of State Court Administration. To learn more about CASA or about becoming a volunteer contact CASA of Kosciusko County at 574-372-2401 or www.casachildren.com
