CASA of Lexington

In 1986, District Court Judge Don Paris attended the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. He participated in a workshop on the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program that started in Seattle, Washington. He embraced the concept and returned to Lexington, determined to develop a program. He and Sue Timmons, Dependency Coordinator for Juvenile Court Services, developed the CASA Project of Lexington. On February 15, 1990, the CASA Project adopted the Friend of Court Model. In this model, the judge utilizes the CASA as an impartial observer to serve as the eyes and ears of the court. CASA of Lexington operated solely as a project of Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s Department of Social Services until May 2003, when the program incorporated and became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. CASA of Lexington continues its relationship with LFUCG, while the nonprofit status enables it to seek grants, tax-deductible donations, and other forms of support. The program is currently funded by grants, donations, fundraising, and continued support from local government thereby making it a unique public-private partnership. In 2020, CASA of Lexington provided advocacy to 583 children in Bourbon, Fayette, Woodford and Scott counties. In 2021, CASA of Lexington expanded services to Jessamine and Garrard counties. While this is a start, there are still hundreds of children in our area who could benefit from the support of a CASA volunteer.