Indianapolis – The Indiana Retired Teachers Association, whose members regularly contribute more than one million volunteer hours a year, has chosen the Indiana Supreme Court’s GAL/CASA program as its new volunteer project.

Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, Governor Mitch Daniels and IRTA executive director Ralph Ayres jointly announced the new initiative in the Supreme Court courtroom this morning.

“IRTA members are a natural fit for this project. These educators have worked with children their entire professional lives and have identified and worked with young people who have problems in learning and life,” said Ayres.  “This gives our members a chance to help young Hoosiers who need a strong advocate in a one-on-one setting.”

“Since day one, we’ve made protecting Indiana’s children, our most vulnerable citizens, a top priority,” said Daniels.  “Great teachers never stop caring about kids.  This is a perfect match and another major step of progress moving Indiana forward.” 

GAL/CASA volunteers represented 17,482 children in Indiana courts last year.

“These children, through no action of their own, have been thrust into very turbulent, stressful situations. GAL/CASA volunteers provide an invaluable service by giving these children a champion interested in one thing – their welfare,” said Chief Justice Shepard. “We are extremely fortunate to have the expertise of these retired educators available and thousands of children will benefit from their services.”

Shepard also noted the strong support of the Indiana State Legislature which voted to increase GAL/CASA funding last session so more children could get assistance.

"The National CASA Association is excited and grateful to see this unique partnership forged between the Indiana Retired Teachers Association and Indiana’s CASA Association. Teachers make great CASA volunteers," says Michael Piraino, CEO of the National CASA Association.   "As advocates, teachers bring wisdom and experience gained from their work with children. With teachers, as with CASA volunteers, the kids come first."

For more information, or to volunteer, please contact GAL/CASA director Leslie Rogers Dunn, J.D., at lrogers@courts.state.in.us or call (317) 232-2542 or (800) 542.0813.

Watch the archived webcast of this event:Windows Media