Court Appointed Special Advocates

In cases of child abuse and neglect, many children do not have someone to help them speak for themselves in court. In Indiana this role is fulfilled by a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer.

Child Advocates in Marion County is this year's Gen Con charity partner and hopes to spread awareness about the need for CASA volunteers.

The number of Hoosier children who end up in the state's court system because of abuse and neglect jumped from 14,000 in 2014 to 20,000 last year. Officials say opioid abuse is often to blame.

The 21-month-old female black Labrador named Frankie will is latest team member at the county's Court Appointed Special Advocates office.