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CASA for Kids, Inc. of Barry, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, is expanding its reach to Clinton County to ensure children continue receiving vital volunteer advocacy. Clinton County, MI - Friday, October 2, 2026 CASA for Kids, Inc. is expanding its services into Clinton County following neighboring agency The Voice for Clinton County’s Children's announcement that it will be winding down operations. The expansion will ensure that children who rely on Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) services continue to have an advocate without a gap in services. Effective October 1, 2026, CASA for Kids will take on the Clinton County CASA services in collaboration with the 29th Circuit Court Family Division, DHHS, and other community services. “These vital community programs must be protected, and CASA for Kids is very fortunate to be in a position to take on an additional community,” said Rachel Swedberg, Executive Director of CASA for Kids, Inc. “The announcement of VCCC’s closing is heartbreaking, and it isn’t surprising given the continued funding challenges facing Children’s Advocacy Centers and other victim support services. We want to rise to the challenge of expansion to make sure the wonderful volunteers in Clinton County and the children they serve aren't impacted. We have been working with Michigan & National CASA to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible for the children and families who depend on these services.” CASA volunteers get to know the children they serve by building a relationship, learning about their needs, connecting with their families and support systems, and spending valuable time together. They provide consistent advocacy as their cases move through the system and help make sure the child’s needs and voice are heard when decisions are being made about their future. The expansion brings CASA for Kids’ services to four counties now, covering Barry, Eaton, Ingham, and now Clinton Counties. “We recognize that a change like this can bring uncertainty for families, volunteers, and community partners,” Swedburg said. “Our goal is to continue the work that has already been done in Clinton County and make sure children continue to have the advocacy they deserve. We are grateful to both the National CASA/ GAL Association and The Capital Region Community Foundation for ensuring these vital programs stay in Clinton County, and their support of our initiative to unify advocacy services for children and families.” Service continuity is supported in part by a national grant to improve support for Clinton County's children impacted by the child welfare system. This funding is provided under the OJJDP FY24 Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Training, Technical Assistance, and Subgrants Program through the National CASA/GAL Association. CASA for Kids, Inc. invites followers of the Voice for Clinton County's Children to follow CASA for Kids, Inc. on social media, and subscribe to their newsletter to stay up-to-date on all CASA-related news, events, and partnerships. Follow CASA for Kids, Inc. Socials & Sign Up for Newsletter 🔗https://bio.site/casaforkidsinc For program questions ✉️ reach out to [email protected] For partnership opportunities, development, and community engagement ideas ✉️ reach out to [email protected]  |
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