together we will
The mission of CASA of Jefferson County is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in Jefferson County has a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.
CASA of Jefferson County
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jefferson County will provide abused, neglected or abandoned children with a highly trained volunteer to advocate for the child’s best interest before family courts in Jefferson County. Our volunteers will be recruited, screened and trained by paid staff. Our staff and volunteers will then work in conjunction with the judges, lawyers, and social workers to help ensure children receive appropriate care and support while navigating the court, child welfare, and foster care systems.
Volunteer training and
continuing education
continuing education
Public awareness
efforts
efforts
Legislative and
governmental advocacy
governmental advocacy
CASA of Jefferson County is 1/20 counties in the state of Alabama that serve abused and neglected children in their communities.
You can help Change A Child’s Story with CASA of Jefferson County.
History
In 1977 Seattle Judge David Soukup started a pilot Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to recruit and train community volunteers to speak for the best interests of children in the courtroom.
The Alabama State CASA network was formed on September 24, 1993. The first three local CASA programs were in Jefferson, Madison, and Shelby counties.
Out of that, CASA of Jefferson County was established and became a 501(c)3 on February 19, 2009, and incorporated on July 15, 2010.
Leadership
Board of Directors
President
Caroline Drummond, Esq.
Community Volunteer
Vice President
Suzanne Ashe, Esq.
Community Volunteer
Treasurer
Sherri Thrasher
Protective Life Insurance Company
Secretary
Alex LaGanke
Jefferson County Office of the Public Defender
Ryan Grauel, CPA
Warren Averett
Christinia Hinton
Reach Counseling, LLC
Drake Rippy
Hall Booth Smith, P.C.
Michele Jenkins-Utomi
PNC Bank
Pamela Rodriquez
Community Volunteer
Cindy Dillard
Add + Source Group (ASG)
Staff
Kelly Burke
Executive Director
A former practicing family law attorney in Maryland and a CASA volunteer for CASA of Baltimore County, Maryland, Kelly has served as a Guardian Ad Litem and an appointed pro bono attorney for juveniles. While practicing law, Kelly was active with the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, an organization that serves women by advocating for the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women throughout the state. Kelly served as a pro bono attorney through CHANA, Baltimore, which provides legal representation to people in the Jewish community who experience abuse.
Kelly enjoys hiking, live music and travel.
To contact Kelly, please email: kburke@casaofjeffco.org
Christy Wright
Program Director
Christy brings more than 20 years of experience in the non-profit, state, and federal sector of the social work field. She is a native of Ohatchee, Alabama and is a proud graduate of Jacksonville State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration. A lifelong learner, Christy is a certified Service Coordinator, and is a member of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, American Association of Service Coordinators, and the American Society of Public Administrators. Christy is passionate about advocacy and social justice for all.
To contact Christy, please email: cwright@casaofjeffco.org
Jacquelyn Backay-Parks
Advocate Coordinator
jbackay@casaofjeffco.org
Lena Deeb
Advocate Coordinator
ldeeb@casaofjeffco.org
Tre’Ana Hullum
Advocate Coordinator
thullum@casaofjeffco.org
Vivian Scott
Advocate Coordinator
vscott@casaofjeffco.org
Kinship Care is when a child lives with a family member. Here are some reasons Kinship Care is so important.
1. It prevents the trauma of being placed with strangers.
2. It reinforces the child’s identity and feelings of security.
3. It allows children to remain within their extended family network.
4. Children living in Kinship Care are less likely to re-enter foster care.
5. Kinship Care improves the child's cultural and familial connections.
Hooray for all those family members who take on this great act of love!
We were honored to have the Megan Montgomery Foundation present on domestic violence perceptions, prevention and the trauma associated therewith. Thank you Susann, Rod, Meredith and Dottie for sharing this important information with our volunteers, staff and Board.
Domestic Violence Prevention In-Service Training
Due to a power outage at the Birmingham Family Court, the CASA In-Service training has been moved to the Bessemer Family Court. 12:00!