Kids' Voice of Indiana

We would love for you to join us on Friday, April 25 for our annual Go Blue for Kids Gala! Laughter, inspiration, music, and all things blue. This will be an evening to remember! ?????? ?? Tickets on sale now! https://onecau.se/kvgala25 ?? This is an evening dedicated to celebrating and strengthening our mission to amplify the voices of children and youth in the legal system. And this year is extra special as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary! Whether you're a longtime supporter, volunteer, donor, or new friend, we welcome you to join us and know you’re making a direct impact on the lives of the thousands of children we serve. ??? Friday, April 25 ?? Crane Bay Event Center ?? 6 – 10 p.m. ??? https://onecau.se/kvgala25 #GoBlueForKids #GBFK2025 #KidsVoiceGala #SaveTheDate #TurnUpTheVolume #TogetherWeCan #MakeADifference

??? Youth voices are leading change. Their perspectives matter. ???? Kids’ Voice recently participated in TRU Dialogue 9, a powerful, youth-led forum where local youth shared their perspectives on hope, purpose, and the importance of youth voices in the fight for change. Here are some of our key takeaways from this impactful conversation: ?? Youth Empowerment: These young leaders emphasized the importance of being seen, heard, and valued. Youth perspectives should not only be included but actively shape meaningful change. Their voices should go beyond advisory boards and should have real influence in decision-making processes that impact their lives and communities. ?? Hope and Purpose: They shared how hope and purpose intertwine in their lives, with many emphasizing the importance of having a goal and support from others. One panelist reflected, “When you have someone who has your back, who wants the best for you as much as you want it for yourself, it’s hard to lose hope again.” A powerful reminder about the importance of nurturing hope in our communities. ?? Collaborating for Change: Change comes when communities come together, across generations. It’s about more than conversations. It’s about follow-up, support, and collaboration. “It’s important to have people who have been in our shoes, who not only speak for us but speak with us. You can hear us, but you need to listen and engage with us.” It’s important to create open and safe spaces where youth feel supported and encouraged. Believe in them, uplift them, and provide the guidance they need to succeed. Sometimes, all it takes is one consistent, caring person to make a lasting impact. ?? Healing and Vulnerability: Healing from trauma and hardship is a process, and the youth shared how they navigate their struggles. One youth shared, "Healing is not an overnight process. We are so much more than our pain and our struggles. It is something we are still feeling, but we are just now learning the language to express it.” ?? Creating Better Environments: The youth also discussed how their environments shape their futures. From better schools to safer neighborhoods, they are calling for communities to invest in spaces where youth can thrive. “I desire an environment that makes me see light again.” At Kids’ Voice, we remain committed to amplifying youth voices and supporting young leaders shaping our future. The insights from TRU Dialogue remind us to keep listening, collaborating, and pushing for a better tomorrow. Youth are our future! ?? To learn more about TRU Dialogue, connect with Brandon Randall.

?????? Join Kids’ Voice for the fourth annual Go Blue for Kids Gala! Dress in blue cocktail attire as we raise awareness and support for children and youth during Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year is extra special, we’re celebrating 40 years of Kids’ Voice! ?? Enjoy an evening of inspiration, community, and impact, all in support of our mission. Whether you're a longtime supporter or new friend, you’ll be making a direct impact on the lives of thousands of children we serve. Get your tickets now! ??? Friday, April 25 ?? Crane Bay Event Center ?? 6 – 10 p.m. ??? Tickets: https://onecau.se/kvgala25 ?? Join us as we amplify the voices of children and youth in our community.?

????? Kids’ Voice volunteers and staff joined CASA organizations and advocates from across the state for CASA Day at the Statehouse this week! This annual event raises awareness about the vital role of CASA volunteers and the importance of advocating for child welfare issues. Want to learn more about CASA or help others understand its impact? Here’s what to know: ?? What is CASA? A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer appointed by the court to advocate for children designated as Children in Need of Services (CHINS) by the Department of Child Services (DCS). ?? What does a CASA do? Each CASA volunteer builds relationships with the children they serve, advocate for their well-being, and ensure their best interests are presented to the judge. ?? Why are CASAs needed in Indiana? CASA volunteers provide emotional support, actively listen, and bring empathy and dedication to improving the lives of the children they serve. Thank you to all our Volunteer Advocates who serve as a consistent and stable presence in a child’s life during what can be a scary and complicated time. Your commitment to amplifying all kids’ voices makes a difference. ?

????? CASA Day at the Statehouse is an opportunity to show support and raise awareness about the critical work being done to advocate for the best interests of children and youth across Indiana. Join us next Tuesday, March 4, at the Indiana Statehouse for an inspiring afternoon featuring powerful stories from those with lived experiences, dedicated CASA volunteers, and passionate judges. This year’s event celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the Indiana State Office of GAL/CASA. ??? RSVP: https://lnkd.in/gf8aHQ5W ?? P.S. – If you have a connection to a legislator, let us know! We’re interested in engaging with even more policymakers to raise awareness about the impact of CASA volunteers and advocate for child welfare issues.

The next Kids' Voice Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Volunteer Training is right around the corner! This training equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to serve as a civil family law GAL volunteer with Kids’ Voice. Learn more and register: ??? Monday, February 17 ?? 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ?? Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, 300 N. Meridian Street, Suite 2500 The training includes: ?? 7 hours of in-person classroom instruction to discuss the ins and outs of being a GAL volunteer with Kids’ Voice. ?? 5 hours of self-paced e-learning that introduces you to critically important topics like child development and best interest advocacy.

?? Guardian ad Litem (GAL) State Guidelines Training presented by Kids' Voice – This training is for those wishing to fulfill the requirements to become a civil family law Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Indiana. Register: https://lnkd.in/gnHV48S This comprehensive 12-hour program meets the recently adopted GAL Guidelines from the Indiana Supreme Court. It includes 7 hours of live instruction and 5 hours of self-paced online learning, featuring content from Kids' Voice and the State Office of GAL/CASA. Both components must be completed to receive a certificate. For attorneys, the in-person training component has been approved for 7 hours of CLE credit, including 1 hour of ethics credit.

Are you looking to give back or make a difference in 2025? Start the new year by joining a Kids’ Voice Volunteer Advocate info session and learn how you can make a lasting impact in the life of a child. ?? Learn how Kids' Voice advocates for children and youth involved in the legal system. ?? Explore our different Volunteer Advocate roles. ?? Get answers to questions about how you can help make a difference, one case at a time. ??? Register for one of this month’s info sessions: www.kidsvoicein.org/events

We are hiring! Come join a team passionate about making a difference in the lives of children in Indiana! https://lnkd.in/gZkhq7M7

?? We’re SO close! We have 24 more children's wish lists to fulfill! ?? Please consider donating here and sharing with your community: https://lnkd.in/g_mfnQ9p Thanks to YOUR incredible support, we’ve already fulfilled the holiday wishes of over 800 children this season! ?? However, there are still 24 wish lists left, and we need your help to reach our goal. Your donation will go directly toward making these wishes come true, just in time for the holidays. Can you help us make the holidays happy for these final 24 children? Thank you for being part of this incredible outpouring of love and support! ??