A Voice for Abused and Neglected Children
Standards
CASA of Ohio Valley, Inc embraces the standards set by National CASA/GAL and incorporates them into the everyday policies and processes we use to provide the highest quality advocacy. Access the National CASA/GAL Standards and our supporting policies and procedures HERE.
Engagement
Because CASA Advocates take a holistic approach to child advocacy they work in collaboration with community partners.
CASA’s engage with the community as it pertains to their CASA child through building relationships with caregivers, educators, mental and physical health providers, and all people and organizations serving the child. In order to effectively advocate for children at every level, it is critical that CASA of Ohio Valley, Inc be engaged with the communities we serve.
Support
CASA Advocates never serve alone. CASA of Ohio Valley, Inc employees are trained, professional Advocate Supervisors who provide continual support for CASA Advocates. Supervisors get to know their CASA Advocates during their training and go with them on the CASA Advocates' first visit with their CASA child. Supervisors meet with CASA advocates at least once per month to consult on their cases and stay in regular contact with the Advocate through text, email, phone calls, and in-person meetings as needed. When CASA Advocates attend Court on their CASA child’s case an Advocate Supervisor always goes with them for support and encouragement.
Education
Before any CASA Advocate begins serving on a case they receive professional training created by National CASA/GAL and facilitated by CASA of Ohio Valley’s Training Coordinator. This intensive training process provides them with 30 hours of pre-service training (conducted in person and virtually) covering, The Role of a CASA, Child Development, Child Abuse and Neglect, Trauma and Resilience, Domestic Violence, Mental Health, Substance Misuse, Working with Older Youth and Working with Marginalized Populations. CASA of Ohio Valley also conducts monthly CASA Connections to provide supplemental educational opportunities for Advocates.
Awareness
At CASA of Ohio Valley, Inc we embrace the “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” attitude. We know that the key to a healthy community and carrying out our mission to its fullest is raising awareness about child abuse and neglect in our community, how to prevent it, and how to recognize it. We host and participate in events throughout the year to spread information on these priorities across the community. Visit our Learning Center or News and Events tabs for additional information.
Leadership
Our team of Board Members, Staff, and Volunteer Advocates all know that through grassroots efforts to raise awareness and accountability we can create a healthy community that supports the lifelong success of our most vulnerable children. Individuals at every level of our organization are change agents for the children of Daviess and McLean Counties through leadership roles in organizations, agencies, and all efforts to inspire change for our children.