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The first Foster Youth Connection of Indiana meeting was a huge success! We had several current foster youth attend this kick off event. This was a time for the youth to meet one another and to tell the story behind their foster care experience. The youth were introduced to Cindy Booth (Director of Child Advocates), Janet Knipe (National Foster Youth Action Network(NFYAN) Director), and Tonya Hightower (NFYAN). Cindy was able to explain how the FYCI was first developed and where the idea originally came from: California Youth Connection. Danielle Pierson gave background information on FYCI and what the commitment to the program would look like. Afterwards everyone watched some clips from the film Place to Place, a true story of two foster youth's journey as they age out of foster care. These two brave individuals traveled on to Capitol Hill to tell their stories in an attempt to change the system. The event wrapped up with excitement and enthusiam for the next meeting which will be held February 4, 2012 at Child Advocates. More information can be found on the website calendar.

state of judiciary 2012.pdf In a speech given on January 11, 2012 Chief Justice Randall Shepard gives his remarks about CASA in Indiana in his last State of the Judiciary. You can read it here where he praises Indiana's recent accomplishment of establishing more CASA programs and training the largest number of new advocates ever! Congrats Indiana!

If there is one thing you can do to help the children of Marion County, it's to volunteer as a CASA. There are several CASA organizations all over the state of Indiana. 72 out of the 90 counties here in Indiana have CASA programs. Get in touch with your local CASA organization to find out more information on how you can help abused and neglected children in your area. Become a volunteer, and change a life.