SENATE RESOLUTION 9
(By Senator Rucker)
[Introduced February 19, 2025]
Recognizing Court Appointed Special Advocates and the essential role they play in representing the best interest of children involved in child abuse and/or neglect proceedings.
Whereas, CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, and whose work is driven by the guiding principle that “Children grow and develop best with their family of origin when that can be safely achieved.”; and
Whereas, West Virginia is home to 11 local CASA programs who recruit, screen, train, and oversee highly qualified community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect; and
Whereas, CASA volunteers are appointed by circuit court judges and, in 2024, represented over 3,500 West Virginia children during child abuse/neglect proceedings; and
Whereas, CASA programs are reliant on the support of their communities. Each CASA program is funded by local community contributions and fueled by caring community members who donate their time helping West Virginia’s children and families; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes Court Appointed Special Advocates and the essential role they play in representing the best interests of children involved in child abuse and/or neglect proceedings; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby recognizes the essential role Court Appointed Special Advocates play in providing a voice to the abused and neglected children of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia CASA Association.