Volunteer advocates to represent abused children in Portage juvenile court cases
CASA of Portage County will be joining Portage County Juvenile Court in serving children who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Judge Patricia Smith has added court appointed special advocate services to the court to ensure children and families are receiving services and support so children in Portage County can thrive in a safe and permanent home. CASA volunteers will soon be advocating in court for the more than 400 children who are part of the child welfare system in Portage County.
Through the efforts of Smith and State Rep. Gail Pavliga, the program has been fully funded for the first year. The program will be working to identify new funding sources as it continues to grow over the next several years. Funding for a significant portion of the program is being discussed with the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association for Children and Ohio CASA for year two. A 501c3 will also be created to assist with future funding.
This new CASA Program joins more than 55 other Ohio counties serving children through court advocacy services and volunteer court appointed special advocates. Children with a CASA volunteer are less likely to return to the foster care system, more likely to do well in school, and more likely to receive professional services so they can thrive. In 2019, 323 complaints regarding child abuse, neglect and dependency were filed in Portage County Juvenile Court. The children involved in these cases have committed no crime but are simply victims of abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers will now serve as a voice for these children.
Almost anyone can volunteer for this program if they’re over 21 years of age and can pass a criminal background check. Training is provided free of charge. There is a 32-hour initial requirement, and 12 additional hours each year. More than 2,400 people in Ohio have become court appointed special advocates.
To learn more about CASA, visit https://nationalcasagal.org/ or https://www.ohiocasa.org/.
If you are interested to hear about or to become a volunteer for CASA of Portage County, contact Ann Walden at 330-298-3910 or awalden@portageco.com.