Southeast Nebraska CASA has been revamped and officials hope the program will help children in troubled homes.

Marci Fehlhafer, executive director of the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program attended Wednesday’s County Board of Supervisors meeting to discuss where the program has been, and what’s in store.

It’s been slow going for CASA in Gage County, though Fehlhafer said there’s a clear need.

“We have 38 children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect in Gage County alone,” she said. “That’s more than the other four of our counties combined.”

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to speak in court for the safety and well-being of an abused or neglected child.

According to information from CASA, a child with a volunteer spends 20 percent less time in foster care, on average. Studies show children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their well-being and are four times more likely to find a permanent home.

The program has had hurdles since being relaunched in the area around four years ago. There was previously a CASA program in the area, though it dissolved in the mid-2000s.