VITAL POLICY – CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), a Critical Component of the Court System, Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Children

Lakeway CASA needs your help to carry out its mission.

Kelley Williams will tell you in a heartbeat, one of the most important things for an abused child is to have a solid person they can depend on who has their best interest at heart. This is the gest of what CASA does for the children in a four-county area, Jefferson, Sevier, Hamblen, and Grainger. Lakeway CASA advocates for the most vulnerable population in our community when no one else can or will. CASA volunteers are highly trained to address the interests of children and are independent officers of the court appointed by judges. Williams is the Executive Director of CASA who is responsible for raising money and coordinating office staff and volunteers.

“CASA is the only organization that recruits and trains local citizen volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children. CASA Volunteers work within the court system and the community to make sure these children have a voice in determining their outcomes. CASA advocacy ensures that these children end up in the most appropriate, safe, and loving home and have the best opportunities to heal and thrive. CASA Volunteers serve as watchdogs to an overwhelmed child welfare system and are committed to ensuring that abused children do not fall through the cracks.”

Kelley Williams, Executive Director, Lakeway CASA

As you might expect, it takes considerable funding to address the needs of hundreds of abused children in a four-county area. That is where you can help by attending a special concert on Saturday, July 30th from 6-10 pm at Colley Hill Farm, 740 Sam Martin Road in Dandridge. The Concert Event will feature music from GRITS from Dumplin Valley, delicious BBQ from Wholly Soul, and a Silent Auction. This is a family-friendly event and games/activities for children will be available.

For more information on how you can help CASA and the children it represents, you can visit A child’s life.™ (lakewaycasa.org) or call their office at 423-307-5762

David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and current Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level.