WHO WE ARE

Tri-County CASA is an organization of volunteer advocates who stand up on behalf of abused and neglected children. Tri-County CASA was formed in 2001 to assist children in the 13th Judicial District, consisting of Butler, Elk, and Greenwood Counties in Southcentral Kansas.

The Children We Serve

Each year hundreds of children in the 13th Judicial District are victims of child abuse and neglect. These children deserve a voice in the courtroom, they need a CASA volunteer to speak on their behalf and represent them in court. These children have experienced trauma and their lives have been turned upside down. Child Protective Services takes legal responsibility for them and may place them in a foster home or other facilities. Unfortunately, due to the lack of space in foster homes, siblings are often split up and placed in different homes. Children are rarely able to stay in their own schools, daycare facilities, or communities. Everything they have known is gone. These abused children have become part of an overburdened child welfare system through no fault of their own. They deserve support and a voice in the courtroom. They need a CASA Volunteer.

Our Volunteers: A CASA volunteer may work with only one or two families at any one time. As a result, a number of children are on a waiting list for a volunteer. To learn how you can make a difference in the life of a child, call (316) 320-0238 or fill out our contact form, and someone from our staff will reach out to you.

MISSION

The mission of Tri-County CASA is to provide trained volunteers, appointed by the court to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children so that they may have safe, permanent homes and an opportunity to thrive.


VISION

The Vision of Tri-County CASA is for every child in the 13th Judicial District of Kansas to have a safe loving home in which to grow and thrive.


VALUES

Adaptability

We value opportunities to provide service despite the challenges of changing and unknown situations.   We embrace these unknown situations that allow us to adapt our thinking and behavior to solve problems.

Collaboration

We value the opportunity to collaborate with others locally and throughout the state to effectively support the welfare and best interest of abused and neglected children.

Integrity

We value honesty and Integrity.  The highest professional standards will be upheld at all times.   All interactions will be conducted legally and ethically to benefit those served.

Respect

We value the cultural and racial diversity of the individuals and families of the 13th Judicial District and the uniqueness each provides.  We strive to be inclusive and welcoming.

Safety

We value the worth of our Children.  Their safety and best interest is our priority. 

Stewardship

We value careful and responsible management of agency resources we have been provided, We strive to build a strong, sustainable, and more durable program through long-term financial partnerships.

Quality

We value quality advocacy in our efforts to serve abused and neglected children.  We strive for continuous improvement of our knowledge and skills by adopting and applying best practices.


HISTORY

CASA is the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program. CASA is a child advocacy organization that seeks to provide trained volunteers to speak for abused and neglected children who are the subjects of juvenile court proceedings. CASA volunteers advocate for safe, permanent homes for children. CASA began in 1977 in Seattle, Washington by Judge David Soukup who saw the need for more information on cases involving children in his court. The social services and legal systems were overburdened and CASA was created to assist in obtaining information and providing follow-up monitoring of court orders.

Tri County CASA History

The Local CASA program was formed in 2001. Judges and members of the legal community were interested in forming a CASA program to assist with providing more information to the court to help in determining the best interest of child victims of abuse and neglect. The first CASA volunteers were trained in December 2001, and the first CASA volunteer was appointed on January 4, 2002. Tri-County CASA serves children in Butler, Elk, and Greenwood Counties. The office is located in El Dorado.

STAFF & BOARD

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Janet Jacobs
Executive Director – 2001
[email protected]


PROGRAM TEAMS

Amanda Wiebe
Volunteer and Child Advocacy Services Supervisor I – 2022

Carla Stephens
Volunteer and Child Advocacy Services Supervisor II – 2022

Laura Blankenship
Program Assistant – 2020


2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President
Troy Tabor
Andover, KS

Vice President
Kevin Hays
Andover, KS

Secretary
Darlene Andrews
El Dorado, KS

Treasurer
Lauren Davis
El Dorado, KS

Board Members
Kristi Ashenfelter – Member
Wichita, KS

Sue Erickson – Member
El Dorado, KS

Glenda Giro – Member
El Dorado, KS

Rita Lewis – Member
Douglass, KS

Brian Sevart – Member
Maize, KS

Rayann Silvis – Member
Augusta, KS