CASA Program
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
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. The children served are more likely than others to face addiction, mental health problems, unemployment and prison as adults. 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 has been providing the GAL services in Geauga County since 1997. Judge Charles Henry initiated the program. The CASA/GAL is officially appointed by the judge.
Section 2151.81 of the Ohio Revised Code defines the role of the GAL and also states that the court “shall appoint a qualified volunteer or court appointed special advocate whenever one is available and the appointment is appropriate.” Counties that do not have a CASA program generally use attorneys to perform this role.
Volunteers from all cultures, professions, ethnic and educational backgrounds are welcome. Rather, certain qualities are necessary to perform this role well. Advocates are selected through application, interview, references and criminal background check. They receive 32 hours of training in such areas as courtroom procedure, the laws that affect the decisions, social services and the special needs of abused and neglected children. CASAs receive support and supervision from knowledgeable staff. Ongoing training is provided.
Advocates are only asked to take one case at a time. A two year commitment is required, since many cases remain open for this amount of time. Volunteer time averages 8 to 10 hours per month. The program maintains an average of 55 volunteers.
To learn more about CASA go to: www.nationalcasa.org, or www.ohiocasa.org.
We Believe in the Power of Volunteers to Change the Lives of Children!
Chris Steigerwald, Program Director and CASA Supervisor email
Phone: 440.279.1696
E-mail: csteigerwald@co.geauga.oh.us
Chris works part-time, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and/or Friday.
As Program Director, Chris oversees the entire CASA program and communicates regularly with the Judge and Court Administrator. She provides public relations and community education information to individuals and community groups. She hires and trains all CASA volunteers and assigns them to appropriate cases. As a Program Supervisor, Chris supervises and supports a team of approximately 5-10 assigned CASA volunteers. She evaluates each case and works with the assigned volunteer to establish service goals based on the unique aspects of the case.
Ada Gillespie, CASA Supervisor email
Phone: 440.279.1697
E-mail: agillespie@co.geauga.oh.us
Ada is a part-time supervisor who regularly works on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. She supervises and supports a team of approximately 15 assigned CASA volunteers. She evaluates each case and works with the assigned volunteer to establish service goals based on the unique aspects of the case.
Rhonda Cartwright, CASA Supervisor email
Phone: 440.279.1694
E-mail: rcartwright@co.geauga.oh.us
Rhonda is a part-time supervisor who regularly works on Monday, Wednesday & Thursdays or Friday. She supervises and supports a team of approximately 15-20 assigned CASA volunteers. She evaluates each case and works with the assigned volunteer to establish service goals based on the unique aspects of the case.
Beth Frey, Program Administrator email
Phone: 440.279.1698
E-mail: bfrey@co.geauga.oh.us
Beth is a part-time employee who regularly works on Monday, Wednesday & Thursday. She supports the administrative needs of the CASA program by establishing protocol and procedures for all information management systems. She also is required to have a knowledge of all standard requirements and reports for National and State CASA. She manages the Victims of Crime Act grant and the State Victims Assistance Act grant.
Karolyn Squire, Volunteer Liaison email
Phone: 440.279.1696
E-Mail: ksquire@co.geauga.oh.us
Karolyn is a part-time employee who regularly works on Monday, Wednesday, & Thursdays. She explains CASA volunteer opportunities to the public, conducts volunteer recruitment, and assists in the volunteer application process. She disseminates information to volunteers including case information, newsletters and on-going volunteer training opportunities.
