NEW!
- Read all about another Volunteer of the Year who was honored:
Martine Kowal!!
- Learn more about the CASA program & Staff
Welcome To Friends of CASA for KIDS
Raising the level of awareness of child abuse and neglect in our commuity is the first step toward ultimately ensuring children's safe and permanent homes. To this end, Friends of CASA for Kids was established; to educate the community about child abuse and neglect and to ensure the necessary resources for the court-based CASA program to effectively advocate for the victims.
What is CASA for KIDS?
CASA for KIDS of Geauga County is a program of the Juvenile Court. Serious issues of substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health in families often result in child abuse and neglect. When the court must intervene to help a child, Ohio law requires that a Guardian ad litem (GAL) be appointed to represent the child’s “best interest”. CASAs are volunteers who perform this role. They become very involved in the process and have an opportunity to make a difference. CASAs tell the child’s story, make recommendations and inform the court of the child’s “wishes”.
CASA is a national and state network of volunteer advocate programs. There are 35 programs in the state of Ohio and 950 in the nation. CASA for KIDS was initiated by Judge Charles Henry and has been providing the GAL services in Geauga County since 1997.
To learn more about becoming a CASA/GAL volunteer, click here.
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