Ross County CASA Welcomes New Advocates for Children in Need

April 30, 2024

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In April, a group of 11 dedicated community members took a solemn oath to serve as Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children facing abuse and neglect in Ross County Led by Judge J. Jeffrey Benson at the Ross County Juvenile Court, and these volunteers signified a significant surge in support for local children experiencing adversity.

Key Highlights:

Swearing-In Ceremony: Judge Benson expressed gratitude for the commitment of each volunteer, emphasizing the direct impact CASA service has on the community’s most vulnerable members.
Community Engagement: New CASA volunteer Audrey Holman highlighted the importance of giving back to a community that has been supportive, echoing the sentiments of fellow volunteer Myesha Celeski, who emphasized the need to reflect on others’ struggles, particularly children in Ohio’s welfare system.
Training and Preparation: Volunteers underwent comprehensive pre-service training, blending virtual and in-person sessions, providing a realistic insight into their upcoming roles as advocates for children.
Record-Breaking Enrollment: The recent swearing-in ceremony marked the largest group of volunteers in recent years, reflecting a growing interest and dedication to serving children in need.
Impactful Advocacy: CASA Director Brittni Brown expressed enthusiasm for the program’s growth and the positive impact these volunteers will have on the community, emphasizing the importance of their role in advocating for children’s welfare in court.
Statewide Reach: These new volunteers join a statewide network of CASA programs spanning across Ohio’s 60 counties, demonstrating a collective commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of vulnerable children.
Objective Advocacy: CASA volunteers play a crucial role in gathering essential information and providing objective recommendations to assist the court in making informed decisions for the children’s best interests.
Opportunities for Participation: Interested individuals are encouraged to explore volunteering opportunities with the Ross County CASA program or any of the 47 CASA programs statewide, underscoring the ongoing need for dedicated advocates in communities across Ohio.