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Every child deserves a caring, consistent adult in their corner.
The time to act is now—dozens of children in Columbiana County need CASA volunteers.

What is a CASA volunteer?
Volunteers come from all walks of life. We provide training and ongoing support so you can advocate for a child’s best interests in court.

Why it matters:
These are local children who are experiencing abuse and neglect, many in foster care. A CASA volunteer can be the one constant in a child’s life and make a life-changing difference.

Logo of CASA with a stylized figure holding a red heart above its head, the text 'CASA' and 'Court Appointed Special Advocates' below, and 'FOR CHILDREN' in red.

The CASA Movement

The CASA movement began in 1977 when Judge David Soukup of Seattle, Washington, recruited community volunteers to speak as guardians ad litem for abused and neglected children in court. Frustrated by the lack of input from children and limited information from others, he wanted judges to have a fuller picture to better protect kids. CASA volunteers proved to be an effective way to prevent inappropriate or lengthy foster care placements, and other states quickly adopted the idea.

The first CASA program in Ohio launched in October 1980 in Lucas County (Toledo) by Judge Andy Devine, with support from the Junior League. Inspired by a CASA presentation in Tennessee, Judge Devine brought the program home. Lucas County’s CASA/GAL program was the third in the nation. Programs soon followed in Akron and Cincinnati, and our program launched in 1992. Today, Ohio has 48 programs across 61 counties.

You can learn more about the Ohio CASA/GAL Association here and the National CASA/GAL Association here.

A smiling man and boy sitting outside on a porch, engaging in conversation. The man is seated on a wicker chair, and the boy is on a plastic chair, holding a toy. There are potted flowers and greenery in the background.