Child advocates to operate as county program

CASA/GAL of Hancock County is undergoing a restructuring to best protect vulnerable children. CASAs, or court-appointed special advocates, are volunteers who work directly with children in the foster care and child welfare system to advocate for their rights. The program will continue to recruit and train these specialized volunteers to support the youth, but under a new model. CASA/GAL of Hancock County, historically an independent nonprofit organization, will be moving under the Juvenile Court as a county program. The CASA/GAL board of directors will remain as a private, fundraising sector of the organization. This restructure will more closely follow both the Ohio CASA and National CASA models. "This community has always embraced the work of their CASA program and they will be pleased with the advantages of the reorganized model," said Doug Stephens, executive director at Ohio CASA. The change is expected to lead to enhanced volunteer training and a larger volunteer base. Hancock County Probate/Juvenile Judge Kristen Johnson said CASA volunteers are more important than ever for vulnerable children. "The increase in opiate and methamphetamine drug use by parents has left children in neglectful and abusive homes where their needs have not been met for a prolonged period by the time these children reach the courthouse doors," Johnson said. The COVID-19 pandemic has left children feeling isolated further, increasing their mental health needs, Judge Johnson said. "There are simply not enough attorneys who have completed the required training and who are willing to serve as Guardians ad Litem (GAL) for all of the children who need one," she said. "Therefore, it is imperative that CASA of Hancock County continues to do the work it does and provide qualified, competent volunteers to serve these needy children." The CASA board will still play an important role in helping vulnerable children, said board Chairman Jim Carpenter. "The new model will provide the benefits of a court-based process combined with the benefits of a non-profit arm," he said.