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Dr. Tim Scott was a family doctor for 40 years, but since retiring he has discovered a new way to help families: Serving as a CASA volunteer.

“A lot of times, I would get to know different people from a family in my office, but it was not often I would see them in their home,” Scott, a Jessamine County resident, said.

Scott became a CASA volunteer in 2021, after his good friend Kevin Eby, who is also a CASA volunteer, let him know about the program.

Scott has exceled in developing relationships with the children he serves and been a strong advocate for their medical needs, said Cara MacLeod, Scott’s Volunteer Manager. For those reasons, Scott was named a Volunteer of the Month for August by the Jessamine County CASA program.

“I appreciate his attention to detail and his knowledge of child development and family dynamics,” MacLeod said. “He is an instrumental part of CASA in Jessamine County.”

As a CASA volunteer, Scott is matched with abused or neglected children in the Jessamine County family court system. He visits the child he is matched with frequently, showing the child that someone cares and giving the child hope for the future. He also talks with everyone involved in the child’s life and checks to see if the child is getting all the medical and educational care they need.

Scott brings everything he learns back to Jessamine family court Judge Jeff Moss and everyone else involved in the child’s case. His reports make it easier for Moss to order services the child needs.

CASA volunteers typically spend 5-10 hours a month volunteering and commit to 2 years of service. One CASA volunteer improves outcomes for two children every year, on average.

Scott said he volunteers because he had not previously known how big a problem child abuse and neglect is in Kentucky. He also does it because helping people in need is part of his faith.

“This is a very concrete way of making a difference,” he said.

To learn more about the Jessamine County CASA program or to inquire about becoming a CASA volunteer, email jessaminecounty@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 246-4313.

Jessamine County residents have two CASA volunteer training opportunities coming up this year. One training begins Sept. 7 at the CASA of Lexington office, off of Nicholasville Road near Lexington Green. A second training for Jessamine, Garrard and Lincoln CASA volunteers begins Oct. 11, with classes in Garrard County. For more information, email jessaminecounty@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 246- 4313.