CASA executive director RuAnn Root talks about one of the toy rooms while giving a tour of the CASA facility to Gov. Jim Pillen (left) and judges Michael Mead (middle) and Timothy Hoeft (right) Tuesday.
CASA executive director RuAnn Root talks about one of the toy rooms while giving a tour of the CASA facility to Gov. Jim Pillen (left) and judges Michael Mead (middle) and Timothy Hoeft (right) Tuesday.
CASA executive director RuAnn Root talks about one of the toy rooms while giving a tour of the CASA facility to Gov. Jim Pillen (left) and judges Michael Mead (middle) and Timothy Hoeft (right) Tuesday.
Gov. Jim Pillen visited CASA of South Central Nebraska, toured the organization’s new building and learned about the programs offered Tuesday morning.
Kaye Becker, the longest-standing volunteer at CASA with nearly 30 years under her belt, invited the governor to see the organization’s new facility during an open house in August.
Pillen was unable to attend the open house in August, but agreed to visit at a later time and scheduled the time slot on Tuesday.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are trained to speak in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are removed from the home by child welfare services.
A judge in a case can appoint a CASA volunteer, and that person provides an unbiased report to help the court make a sound decision about the child’s future.
County judges Timothy Hoeft and Michael Mead also visited to voice their support of CASA.
“He (Pillen) needs to know we support this program,” Hoeft said.
RuAnn Root, executive director of CASA of South Central Nebraska, said the organization has about 45 volunteers in the six-county area, but it’s not enough to meet demand. CASA of South Central Nebraska provides services in Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Franklin, Nuckolls and Webster counties.
“We could easily use another 10-15 more,” Root said.
She said investing in the program could save the state money by expediting the juvenile justice process and either reunify children with their families or arrange adoption.
“Kids get out of the foster care system sooner when having a CASA,” she said.
Pillen shared a story of his experience with foster care, when his wife, Suzanne, brought a baby home at 4 weeks old and they took the boy to see his biological mother on the weekends.
Pillen also asked for feedback about the Department of Health and Human Services in six months.
Last month, Pillen announced the appointment of Alyssa Bish as the director of Children and Family Services for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Bish will start on Dec. 28.
Pillen said he believes the change in leadership will produce better outcomes for children.
“Most people want to do really good stuff, we just have to provide good leadership,” he said. “We can’t have them worry more about checking boxes than kids.”
Along with the base services, CASA of South Central Nebraska supports children and their families through additional programs it offers.
The Adams County Diversion program provides services to youth involved in criminal activity instead of going through the court system.
The Community Toy Store provides toys and games for kids displaced by tragedy.
The Suitcase Project provides luggage for children being removed from their home.
The Maryland Living Center temporarily houses homeless or near-homeless youth who have aged out of the foster care system or lack outside family support as they transition to independent living.
The STARS program works with area schools to ensure children who may be struggling with their home lives are attending class regularly.
For more information about CASA of South Central Nebraska, call 402-463-1030 or visit www.casaofscne.org.
