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In 1977, a Seattle judge conceived
the idea of using trained community volunteers to speak for the
best interests of abused and neglected children in court. So successful
was this program that soon judges across the country began utilizing
citizen advocates.
In 1986, volunteers in Nebraska have been advocating for children
in our court and welfare systems.
The Nebraska CASA Association began informally in 1993 to provide
assistance to Court Appointed Special Advocate programs throughout
Nebraska. Nebraska's Revised Statute § 43-3701 through § 43-3716
was passed authorizing the establishment of CASA programs designating
CASA volunteers as Friends of the Court. This statute empowers CASA's
with the necessary authority to fulfill their duties.
In 1996, Phelps County CASA was formed to advocate for abused children
in our court and welfare system. In 2000, CASA was expanded in Kearney
County, Dawson County and Gosper County.
Today more than 900 CASA programs are in operation, with 70,000 women and men serving as CASA volunteers. |
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