CASA of the High Plains
CASA of the High Plains has announced the hiring of a new director, Kristen Osborne.
Osborne took over the agency on Dec. 13. She replaces Tabitha Keith.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are assigned to court cases for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. CASAs serve as the voice for these vulnerable children in court.
CASA of the High Plains serves the 23rd Judicial District, which covers Ellis, Rooks, Trego and Gove counties. About 100 children are removed from their homes annually in the 23rd Judicial District.
Osborne is a Fort Hays State University graduate with a bachelor's of science in communication sciences and disorders, bachelor's of science in sociology, certificate in life stages and transitions, and certificate in grant proposal writing and program evaluation.
Osborne worked at KVC for four years and the Department for Children and Families for one year with the majority of her work being with children and adults with disabilities.
Her background is in child development, trauma-informed care, positive behavior interventions, elementary education and crisis intervention.
She served on the CASA Board of Directors for a year before becoming the agency's executive director. She served as the board's secretary.
She is a Colorado native and has been in Kansas since 2010.
"My year on the board grew my passion for the work that CASA does. I believe strongly in the power of advocacy and the necessity of advocacy for all children.," she said. ...
"I believe my passion, experience and knowledge will aid in the growth and ability for CASA to continue to serve children in need of care in our community. I am proud to be part of such an impactful resource in the 23rd Judicial District."
CASA is a nonprofit agency. It currently has positions open for new board members, non-court volunteers and those who wish to serve children as CASAs in court.
For more information, to donate, volunteer or become a CASA, call CASA at 785-628-8641 or email [email protected].
You can also follow CASA of the High Plains on Facebook.