In March 2010, the Otoe County CASA Program welcomed four new volunteers with a Swearing-In Ceremony performed by Juvenile Court Judge Robert O'Neal.  Jan Marion, Sally Juilfs, and Matt and Karen Shriver completed 30 hours of pre-service training to fulfill their roles as advocates for children in Otoe County who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect charges.

CASA Volunteers are community members who advocate for a child's best interest in court.  They complete 30 hours of training in child development, abuse and neglect, cultural competency, court processes, and substance abuse.  They are assigned to one family and through regular contacts with all parties involved in the case, CASA's come to know the special needs of the children and families they are assigned to, which allows them to advocate to the Judge on behalf of the child's needs.  They provide the child's perspective and voice to be heard in court.

With the addition of four new CASA volunteers, the Otoe County CASA program is now providing advocacy for 23 children throughout the county.  Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer is invited to contact Jo Vasa, CASA Coordinator,  at 402-873-6343 for more information.