Volunteer with Children (CASA)

In Ohio, a child is abused or neglected every 17 minutes.

At CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates), our vision is to ensure that every abused and neglected child has a trained, competent volunteer guardian ad litem  to serve as their voice in court to make a positive impact on the child and community.

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.

What a CASA/GAL Volunteer Does

In Franklin County, the courts appoint a private attorney or a CASA, who is trained as a volunteer GAL. CASA volunteers complete an extensive screening and training process and are officially sworn in as court officers.

CASA of Franklin County (in existence since 1991) exists to serve the most at-risk and severe cases of child abuse and neglect in the community. These children need individualized attention and need to be seen on a regularly scheduled basis. CASA volunteers get to know the child well enough to make fact-based recommendations to the Juvenile Court about custody, placement, visitation, and services.

Become a volunteer (GAL)

GALs gather information on their cases by making at least monthly visits with the child, speaking with professionals involved with the child, attending meetings regarding the child's welfare, and appearing in court as the child's advocate. CASA provides a critical local need and is the ONLY community organization providing such services in Franklin County.

Why Get Involved

• More than 100,000 cases of child abuse and neglect are reported in Ohio annually
• A child is likely to move three times during the average 21 months they spend in foster care
• Franklin County reports approximately 2,700 children involved in abuse, neglect, and dependency court proceedings each year.
• In 2024, CASA of Franklin County volunteers will serve 800 children suffering severe abuse and neglect.
• In a recent study, children served by CASA of Franklin County Volunteers were more likely to be reunified with family.
• Research also shows that children that have a CASA as their GAL spend less time in foster care and are placed in a safe and permanent home sooner.

Donate to Friends of CASA today