[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     TRIBUTE TO COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, today I pay tribute 
to the Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA, of New Hampshire. Named 
this year's Education/Non-Profit Business of the Year by the New 
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Business NH Magazine.
  The CASA program is crucial to New Hampshire's abused and neglected 
children, offering support, guidance, and a sound outlook on the 
children for New Hampshire's Family and District Court judges. Started 
in New Hampshire in 1988 by Marcia Sink, CASA has advocated for 3,045 
young victims in 2,276 cases within district and family court during 
the past 14 years. A national program, CASA trains volunteers to 
advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system. 
Typically taking just one case at a time, CASA volunteers gain an 
intimate knowledge of the children, family situation and current 
arrangements which proves invaluable to judges upon their rulings.
  Aside from the Business of the year award, CASA has been the 
recipient of the Citadel Broadcasting Company's 2001 Year of Service 
Award, Brown and Company's Pro Bono Award, the Walter J. Dunley Award 
for Excellence in Non-Profit Management and WMUR Channel Nine's 
Community Champion award. Along with these distinguished awards for 
their service and contributions, CASA has made an impact in the lives 
of numerous children which is the greatest award of all. New Hampshire 
thanks you for your continued service to the children of the Granite 
State.
  I applaud the dedication to New Hampshire's youth that CASA has shown 
over the years. Currently representing more than 75 percent of New 
Hampshire's abused and neglected children, these volunteers have spent 
countless hours defending the best interest of these children. They 
offer a unique and innovative approach to placing children in the best 
possible situation and their efforts are crucial during these trying 
times. I commend the CASA program of New Hampshire and wish them 
continued success in the coming years. It is an honor to represent you 
in the United States Senate.

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