CASA Online Connector Premier Issue, April 2007
An e-newsletter from Georgia CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

“I have done many challenging and fulfilling things in my 76 years, but being a CASA runs a close second to my role as mother of my own children.”  
-Mary Eva DuBose, Macon, GA, 2006 CASA Volunteer of the Year in Georgia

April is National Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month and May is National Foster Care Month

Spring is a time of new beginnings. Abused and neglected children need a new beginning in life so they can thrive. CASA volunteers work with these children every day, as they advocate for their best interests and help them find a safe, permanent home.
           You can help a child in your community:
            --Volunteer
            --Tell others about CASA
            --Donate (To donate to an affiliate program, use the mail-in form on the site)

Georgia House Bill 270

Georgia CASA has introduced legislation to clearly define and clarify CASA in Georgia’s Code. The legislation, known as House Bill (H.B.) 270, helps others in understanding CASA’s role in providing quality advocacy for children as well as outlining the responsibilities and limitations of CASA volunteers. These clear requirements will help ensure consistent, high quality advocacy across the state. H.B. 270 unanimously passed the House and is currently awaiting consideration by the full Senate after unanimously passing out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 26th. Visit http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/sum/hb270.htm for updates.

Luncheon & Fashion Show a Tremendous Success

The third annual Georgia CASA Luncheon & Fashion Show was on March 14th at Maggiano’s in Buckhead. A painting by Atlanta artist Linda James was featured and Melanie Boltax won it as part of a raffle package. Celebrity model was media broadcaster Holly Firfer. Ted Hall, of 11Alive (WXIA-TV) in Atlanta, was commentator. Attendees enjoyed a delicious Italian lunch, fashions from several Buckhead boutiques and the chance to win spectacular raffle prizes. They also learned all about how the CASA organization in Georgia helps abused and neglected children.

Newest Affiliate Programs Highlight: South Central CASA in Cordele and S.A.F.E. CASA in Waycross

Two CASA programs have begun this fiscal year. South Central CASA, located in Cordele, serves Ben Hill, Crisp, Dooly and Wilcox counties. Brad Ray is the Executive Director.
S.A.F.E. CASA, with an office in Waycross, serves the Southeast Georgia counties of Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Coffee, Pierce and Ware. John Fluker is the Executive Director.

State Conference 2007: “Painting a Brighter Future” – April 28

Join us as we work towards “painting a brighter future” for the children served by CASA. The Georgia CASA State Conference will be held at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta on Saturday, April 28th. Judge R. Michael Key from LaGrange, GA, will give the keynote address at the awards luncheon, where Mary Eva DuBose will be awarded as the 2006 CASA Volunteer of the Year in Georgia. The conference will include exceptional workshops and dynamic speakers, so make plans to join us today! For more information and to register, visit http://www.gacasa.org/Conference-2007.html

New Video Resources from Georgia CASA

Georgia CASA has numerous videos that may be checked out by affiliate programs. Two of our newest offerings include:
--How to Give a Good Deposition and Testify Well in Court (DVD)
--Truth, Lies & Sex Offenders, Part I: Listening to Sex Offenders (VHS)

Email lderhammer@gacasa.org if you are interested in checking out a video.

The mission of Georgia CASA is to develop and support court-sanctioned, community-based programs that provide trained and supervised volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children involved in juvenile court deprivation proceedings.
Currently, 47 affiliate programs throughout the state serve 116 counties. In 2006, over 8,200 children were served by 1,650 CASA volunteers.

Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates

1776 Peachtree Rd. NW   ·   Suite 219, South Tower
Atlanta, GA 30309
 
info@gacasa.org   ·  404.874.2888   ·   1.800.251.4012