What Does a CASA Do?
- Build a relationship with a child
- Ensure child has all needed resources
- Explore all aspects of a child’s life & all people in their life
- Accompany child to court to advocate for their rights
- Promote safety and urgency to child’s needs
Who is a CASA volunteer?
- Someone from the community
- Has a passion to help children in need
- Over 21 years old
- Takes part in training, joining a network of volunteers
More Information
Court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteers advocate for the best-interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Volunteers work with child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure that judges have the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child.
CASA/GAL volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children’s best interests. They stay with each case until it is closed and the child is in a safe, permanent home. We serve children from birth through the age defined by state statute as the limit to youth remaining in care.
Volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child.
Our best-interest advocacy is driven by the guiding principle that children grow and develop best with their family of origin, if that can be safely achieved. Most of the children we work with are in foster care, but some are with their family of origin. And, most children who leave foster care do so to return to their family.
How many CASA volunteers and CASA kids are in Portage County?
Children Served Year One
Volunteers Year One
Children Served Year Two
Volunteers Year 2
The program began in 2021. There are 47 CASA programs in Ohio serving 60 counties. https://ohiocasa.org/our-mission/