THE HISTORY OF CASA
It all started with a Seattle juvenile court judge David W. Soukup in 1976. Judge Soukup was kept awake at night because he had insufficient information to make a life-changing decision for a 3-year-old girl who had suffered from child abuse. That’s where the idea sprung from, these children, who had experienced abuse or neglect, needed a caring, trained, and qualified adult to speak up for them in and out of the courtroom.
In 1994, a small group of foster parents, committed to furthering the aims and goals of the local foster parent association, sought out Sue Baker for direction and aid in forming a CASA program in Chelan & Douglas Counties. Sue had been a CASA in Seattle before moving to Wenatchee with her family.
Taking up the challenge, Sue worked closely with many in the community, including the then-Superior Court Judge Carol Wardell, to start the Chelan-Douglas CASA program. After more than 25 years, the program continues to grow and boasts nearly 100 volunteers.