HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – After six years in Hopkinsville, CASA of Christian County is closing its doors as of July 15. The non-profit was comprised of volunteers who advocate for children in the court system that have been abused or neglected.
“After serious contemplation, and with a heavy heart, the executive director and each board member felt that they have no other option but to resign,” said a news release from CASA of Christian County. “Each resignation will be done as an act of solidarity in protection of the needs of Christian County children.”
During their time in Christian County, they were able to serve 24 children who were going through family court or social services. The closure is stemmed from Kentucky CASA Network standards presented to their board that impacted funding, leadership, and the needs of local children. Because of this, they decided to close the program.
Additionally, the board did not want to have advocates from outside of the county come in. They felt it was important to maintain their integrity by exclusively having local volunteers that represent the diversity of the area appropriately, according to CASA of Christian County.
“CASA of Christian County wishes to thank all volunteers, service providers and community supporters. We celebrate the volunteers and service providers and the Christian County community who have worked tirelessly to reunite separated families and advocate for children. We celebrate all that each of you have accomplished for Christian County children and families,” continued the news release.
The building that housed the non-profit was being leased from the Christian County Fiscal Court, so the property has been returned to the county and all non-profit business functions have ceased.
Kentucky CASA Network response
On July 16, KCN shared a news release with their response to the closure saying, “While the KCN is disappointed to hear of the board’s decision to dissolve the current organization, we are pleased to share with the community that CASA services are still present and will continue in Christian County.”
KCN wants to assure the community that there will be no disruptions to services for Christian County kids, and they have begun to transition in advocates from CASA by the Lakes.
They went on to explain that during a recent quality assurance review of CASA of Christian County, and through other training and technical assistance provided to the program, the KCN identified areas of noncompliance with both KRS and National CASA/GAL Association Standards, according to a news release from KCN.
“It is unfortunate that the Christian County Board of Directors has opted not to take that path to develop and maintain a highly effective CASA program,” said KCN Board Chair Bryan Bulkle.
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