GREENFIELD — The beginning of a new decade is also the start of a new era for Hancock County’s court-appointed special advocate program. The local CASA will split off from Madison County’s program after 16 years, becoming administratively and financially independent.
CASA case manager and volunteer trainer Marciann McClarnon Miller said CASA volunteers are excited about the new era for the organization. CASA has approximately 35 active volunteers in Hancock County, who are tasked with examining child abuse and neglect cases and making impartial recommendations to judges as representatives of the children’s best interests.
Miller said the split will allow Hancock County CASA to be more independent, comparing the process to an amicable divorce. She said the change was motivated by a desire to make independent decisions best suited to Hancock County’s needs.
“We want Hancock County money to stay in Hancock County,” Miller said. “We wanted ownership of the program.”
Miller said the program made the switch partly at the prompting of retiring Superior Court 1 Judge Terry Snow. Snow helped establish the CASA program in Hancock County for the first time 16 years ago.
Snow said the change will be a positive one for Hancock County’s justice system.
“We’re having control over our own destiny,” he said.
CASA, he said, has been very beneficial to his ability to make decisions about court cases involving children.
“It gives me another set of eyes and ears out there that’s sole interest is the benefit and well-being of the child,” Snow said.
The Hancock County Commissioners and Council have also been supportive of the change, Miller said. Without the increase in financial support from the county, Miller said, CASA would not be able to make the change. The program is not a nonprofit, but a court-funded program that depends on the support of the county.
“I think this will give us more direct input and supervision over it,” Hancock County Councilman Bill Bolander said. “Madison County’s needs are different than ours.”
While Hancock County’s CASA will no longer have to share funds with Madison County, it will also no longer receive outside funding. The county commissioners are scheduled to give final approval to a funding increase for CASA after a public hearing at its Wednesday, Jan. 8, meeting.
The county had set aside $20,568 for the program in its general 2020 budget. The commissioners plan to amend the budget to instead give CASA $59,558 from its superior court funds. CASA will also receive a $31,181 grant.
Miller said CASA’s goal in 2020 is to recruit enough volunteers to reduce its waiting list — currently standing at 71 children who are waiting to have a CASA representative appointed. She is also hoping to hire another part-time employee to help manage volunteers.
Anyone interested in volunteering with CASA can email [email protected].