Capital City CASA honored

The Capital City Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) received a national certification that recognizes the quality of their work with neglected and abused children.

The CASA program in Jefferson City was awarded by the Nation Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. It shows the local CASA is in compliance with National CASA's standards.

This self-assessment assures quality and is very rigorous, said Michael Piraino, chief executive officer of the National CASA Association. This certification shows the Capital City CASA has demonstrated a strong capacity to provide excellent services to neglected and abused children, he added.

Capital City CASA started in 2009 in the juvenile division of the 19th Circuit Court of Cole County. CASA has only scratched the surface of the problems of child neglect and abuse. In Cole County, more than 200 cases of child neglect or abuse are reported annually, compared to more than 3 million nationally. Most of these children are without a CASA volunteer.

Donations for CASA can be made by contacting Dr. James Kellerman, CASA program director, as 690-9171. Potential volunteers can email [email protected] for more information.