Foster Kids Get Stronger Voices in Vigo County

When kids enter the foster care system in Vigo County, Indiana, they rarely get to speak for themselves in court. That's where CASA volunteers come in, and they're now getting specialized drug awareness training to serve these children even better.

Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA volunteers, represent children who can't be present at their own court hearings. They act as the child's voice, focusing solely on what's best for that young person.

"CASA steps in, and it's our job to represent the child in court, be their voice and advocate for what they need," said Brittany Caldero, family recovery court supervisor and volunteer coordinator. Unlike lawyers or social workers juggling multiple interests, CASA volunteers answer to one person only: the child.

For Caldero, this work hits close to home. She was once a foster child in Vigo County with her own CASA volunteer.

"One of the only positive experiences I had moving through that system was knowing that I had a person who was in my corner who only cared about what was best for me," Caldero said. "That made all the difference in the world."

The Ripple Effect

The training represents something bigger than just professional development. As volunteers learn to navigate complex situations involving substance abuse, they're preparing to handle the real challenges these kids face.

"We are continuously training," said Glenna Cheesman, director of Vigo County CASA. "No two cases of abuse are exactly the same."

The program faces growing demand as more children enter the system. Each trained volunteer means another child gets a consistent, caring voice fighting for their best interests.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can call the Vigo County office at (812) 231-5658. Sometimes the person who makes all the difference is just one phone call away from discovering their calling.