Miller sworn in as local CASA volunteer

Kelsi Miller was sworn in last week as a Court Appointed Special Advocate – or CASA – and will be paired with Cheyenne County children who have been abused or neglected.

She was sworn in by Cheyenne County Judge Randin Roland.

Miller's training includes topics such as child abuse, domestic violence, the court system and working

with a variety of entities. CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge and follow through on a case until it has been resolved. The CASA volunteer makes a commitment to act as a participant in legal proceedings and to provide the court with an independent recommendation regarding the child's best interest.

In Cheyenne County, CASA currently has 13 children assigned from the juvenile court system, according to CASA board member Rebecca Napier.

"We are very much in need of volunteers," Napier said. "You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be a volunteer. We are simply looking for people who care about children. One child abused or neglected is too many.

"Becoming a CASA volunteer is an investment of time, energy and heart," she added. "By becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate you can help create a brighter future for a foster child. As a volunteer you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through each case. Once a CASA volunteer accepts a case, they are officially appointed by a judge authorizing them to be involved in the child's case and gain access to their records."

Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to re-enter care, Napier said.

For more information about CASA or to become a volunteer, contact Marion Janzen at (308) 249-4715 or by email at [email protected].