Delaware County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Honors Volunteers May 20, 2010

CASA of Delaware County recently celebrated its annual volunteer awards ceremony honoring the special work of local county residents. CASA is a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of abused, neglected and dependent child victims in the county juvenile court system.

Over seventy six volunteers and family members attended the dinner held at the Autumn Lakes Campground Banquet Hall located near Sunbury, Ohio. Recognition was given to the volunteers by Judge Kenneth Spicer and Magistrate David Hejmanowski of the Delaware County Probate/Juvenile Court.

CASA Lana Weber of Galena, Ohio was honored with a special award for her contribution of 360 hours of volunteer assistance in the past year to our county’s abused and neglected children. Lana has worked with the Delaware County CASA program since 1997.

The vital role these volunteers have in our community has a great impact not only on the children themselves but also for the whole county. For instance, children with CASAs have a better chance of living in safe, permanent homes than children who do not have an advocate. CASA services help to reduce juvenile delinquency. Children who have a CASA spend less time in court and CASA saves precious tax dollars. Last year the local program provided service to 310 Delaware County children.

A CASA’s work involves conducting research on the child’s needs. CASA’s meet with the child and sometimes family members involved in a case along with the case worker, guardian ad litem, teachers and attorneys, if needed. The CASA then presents their findings to the judge in court proceedings. The goal is to find a safe, permanent home for the child and to serve the child’s best interests.

CASAs come from all backgrounds and walks of life. They are given complete training in the advocacy for the children and a mentor for their first cases.

If you would like more information, would like to become a CASA or would like to make a donation to CASA call 740-833-2654.