CASA of Franklin County, Ohio Email Format
Individual and Family ServicesUnited States11-50 Employees
In 1977, a Seattle Juvenile Court Judge found himself faced with making life changing placement decisions about children he knew very little about. He never felt confident he had their entire story, and was deeply concerned about what might happen if he made the “wrong” decision. Out of this concern grew the idea for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA of Franklin County was founded in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer based program. On July 1, 2020, CASA transitioned from a nonprofit to a department under the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Office of Justice Policy and Programs. CASA provides the link between concerned community volunteers and the abused and neglected children in need of a powerful voice to speak up for their best interest. These volunteers are appointed by the court to help ensure that the children receive appropriate services and treatment by independently monitoring a child’s situation, identifying community resources and participating in the court process. The mission of CASA of Franklin County is to empower a diverse group of community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected, and dependent children involved in the child welfare system. Our dedicated staff recruits, screens, trains, and supports these volunteers as court appointed guardians ad litem (GAL). Through legal advocacy, CASA volunteers work to interrupt generational trauma and ensure children are in safe and loving homes.