The American Rescue Plan Act Committee recently met to discuss Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) funding.
Commissioner Stan Klotz expressed a desire to keep CASA funded, but noted that using American Rescue Plan Act funds or unrestricted opioid funds are temporary solutions to a long-term need. He recommended discussions with the judges.
Auditor Angie Birchmeier noted that the Drug Task Force is active again which could increase the number of children in need of a CASA.
CASA Director Chastity Keller said that every one of the current 14 volunteers has at least one case if not more. The current confirmed caseload for CASA is 27 children though there could be more pending. It could take 6 months to years for a case to reach conclusion. Keller estimated 7 to 10 hours that these volunteers are dedicating per month per case.
The bank account that supports CASA will be completely depleted by October of this year.
The non-profit organization only received approximately $4,000 from the State of Indiana; not near enough to sustain it.
With budgets due in June, Keller hopes for a long-term solution to fund the organization.
It costs $50,000 to $60,000 annually to fund the program with most of that covering the Director’s salary in the amount of $42,000. The rest of that funding covers expenses including mandatory advertising, volunteer appreciation and other requirements.
All CASA expenses are mapped through the Auditor’s Office; it wasn’t before. Every penny is accounted for.
Keller confirmed that CASA operates alongside Judge Curtis Palmer’s Court. With his upcoming retirement, discussions will need to take place with the future Circuit Court Judge.
Marshall County Council Vice President Tim Harman recommended dedicating $25,317.70 of the Opioid Unrestricted money plus $20,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding toward the CASA program for 2024 which will leave a balance of approximately $35,000 going in to 2025 because they currently have approximately $36,000 in the fund remaining. That will give the County Council and the Commissioners time to resolve the funding issue for next year and moving forward.
No official action can be taken in a committee meeting.
Marshall County Council President Jesse Bohannon has contacted Indiana State Representatives Jack Jordan and Jake Teshka to suggest that CASA is considered during the next budget cycle to ensure baseline funding.
Keller informed those present that some Counties have decided to establish their CASA programs as Court Programs as opposed to non-profit organizations. One of the main differences between a non-profit organization and a Court Program would be that Keller would not have to dedicate time to fundraising if the organization was funded out of a regular Judicial budget.
Keller said that the state is increasing funding toward Department of Child Services – more services to keep kids within their home are being provided. There is also a lack of Foster Homes available to place children temporarily or permanently.
Harman’s non-binding recommendation to appropriate $25,317.70 of the Opioid Unrestricted money plus $20,000 American Rescue Plan Act funding to CASA for the Director’s wages will be presented to the Commissioners by the American Rescue Plan Act Committee during the March 18 meeting and will then go before the Council during the April meeting for final approval.
