Helping Children
From left, Honorable Judge Jennifer Upchurch Edwards swore in Amy Dennis and Amelia Thomas as the first two Russell County volunteers who have stepped up to serve as CASA advocates, with Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Coffey, far right, in attendance for support. (CASA of Southern Kentucky)
Staff Report
As a former educator Lisa Coffey was possibly the perfect candidate for an entity assisting children.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Southern Kentucky is a non-profit organization utilizing community-based volunteers appointed by judges to serve as advocates in child abuse and neglect cases.
Competent, compassionate, knowledgeable, and with years of public service, Coffey finds working with CASA to be “a blessing.”
“I am just really thankful to be involved with something like this,” she said.
The program uses a practical and proven approach, the best interest advocacy model.
When a child enters the system due to abuse, neglect or dependency, a judge may appoint CASA to the case if they feel that additional information is warranted or that the services CASA can provide would be beneficial.
A CASA volunteer meets with a child to become acquainted with them and visits the child at least once a month.
During this process, the volunteer advocate communicates with everyone (such as parents, foster parents, DCBS (social workers), teachers, doctors and counselors) involved in a child’s case to gather information that will allow them to make recommendations to the judge.
Essentially the volunteer becomes the child’s voice in the court room, expressing the child’s wishes at each court hearing.
CASA of Southern Kentucky are members of the KCN (Kentucky CASA Network) and the National CASA/Gal Association.
They provide advocacy for the child’s best interest in court and remain active on the case until a child reaches permanency in a safe home where they can thrive.
This can be through reunification, relative placement, fictive kin or possibly adoption.
As a Volunteer Coordinator for the organization, covering Russell and Wayne Counties, Coffey has been working with Family Court Judge Jennifer Unchurch Edwards.
“She has such a passion for this,” Coffey said. “She truly wants what is best for children…and her commitment to them is inspiring because she really cares.”
Having recently expanded into Russell and Wayne Counties, interest in CASA of Southern Kentucky is growing.
Just last week, the first two Russell County volunteers, Amy Dennis and Amelia Thomas, stepped up to serve as CASA advocates and were sworn in to duty.
The judge, Coffey, and new volunteers will “help ensure vulnerable children in our community have a voice and someone standing beside them.”
“Giving their time, commitment and heart will truly make a difference in the lives of children who need it most,” CASA of Southern Kentucky said.
In 2025, 18 CASA programs were serving 99 Kentucky counties, and under a “growth plan,” all 120 counties will be served by a CASA program by the end of 2027, officials said.
CASA continues to provide awareness and education about the program.
The organization has recently held local information sessions in Pulaski, Russell, and Wayne counties, and a virtual CASA 101 event is set for today, March 12, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. at bit.ly/KCN casa101, hosted by the Kentucky CASA Network.
For more information about the program, visit casasky.org, the CASA of Southern Kentucky Facebook page, email [email protected], or call (606) 425-5000.
Coffey encourages people to consider CASA of Southern Kentucky if they are looking for opportunities to give back.
Anyone interested in volunteering in a different county can visit Kentuckycasanetwork.org.for information about other CASA programs in Kentucky. “It’s a great thing,” Coffey said, “and it’s helping children in our community.”
