By GLEN WERLING
When Wells Circuit Court Judge Kent Kiracofe thought about forming a Court Appointed Special Advocate program in Wells County, he already had a volunteer waiting to join — Ginny Vogel.
She was retired from her career as an educator but still wanted to make a difference in the lives of children.
“The more I talked to her, I thought, ‘Well, you might be the director of the program,’” Kiracofe told the next group of CASA volunteers in his courtroom Thursday.
“Ginny took the ball and has run with it from the start,” Kiracofe added. “She’s done an excellent job.”
Seven new members were sworn-in by Kiracofe, bringing the total number of CASA volunteers to 22.
A CASA volunteer represents the interests of a child before the court when a child has been removed from his or her home because of abuse or neglect. “We look at educational needs, mental health needs and safety, of course, is number one. We work with the Department of Child Services but we are not part of DCS,” Vogel explained.
She added that CASA volunteers maintain a line of communication with parents and the people whom the children have been placed and they monitor visitations.
“You are playing a vital role in the lives of children who really need it in this community. I think you will find it rewarding,” Kiracofe said.
“I appreciate all of you. What a great group of people we have,” Vogel said, following the ceremony.
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