Indiana Court Named South Bend Accountant CASA of Year

The appointment of an 82-year-old volunteer highlights the ongoing critical need for child advocates.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy

Indiana Court Named South Bend Accountant CASA of Year

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Indiana's court system has recognized Tom Brown, an 82-year-old retired accountant from South Bend, as the 2026 CASA of the year. The award acknowledges his commitment to assisting abused and neglected children through the legal system.

Why it matters

The recognition serves as a public call to action, as local officials are currently seeking additional volunteers to meet the needs of children in the St. Joseph County court system. This highlights the sustained reliance on private citizens to bridge gaps in child welfare advocacy.

Tom Brown, an 82-year-old retired accountant, has completed 12 years of volunteer service. He has directly supported more than 100 children during his tenure.

The players

Tom Brown

An 82-year-old retired accountant and South Bend resident recognized for his 12-year tenure in child advocacy.

The details

CASA volunteers function as independent advocates, spending time with children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Their primary role is to ensure the child’s voice is represented during complex legal proceedings, providing the court with necessary perspective on the child's circumstances. Brown began this work 12 years ago after encouragement from his daughter.

2026: Tom Brown was named CASA of the year.
Last 12 years: Tom Brown served as a volunteer.

Market Landscape

This award reinforces the emphasis placed by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act on leveraging community volunteers to fulfill statutory requirements for child representation. It highlights a reliance on individual participation to maintain the integrity of state-level child welfare systems.

Business owners looking to support local civic infrastructure can review the current volunteer requirements through the official portal. Evaluating corporate social responsibility programs around youth advocacy can help firms address local community needs.

The takeaway

Effective philanthropy often relies on individual commitment to fill institutional service gaps. Operators interested in civic engagement can visit the CASA volunteer information portal to determine if their staff's skill sets align with local volunteer program needs.