Awareness & Education

Hearts and Hands of CASA Geauga County builds awareness and educates the community about the role and benefits that CASA volunteers provide for CASA kids of Geauga County

What is a CASA?

A Court Appointed Special Advocate/ Guardian Ad Litem…

What is a CASA?

A Court Appointed Special Advocate/
Guardian Ad Litem…

  • is an ordinary person doing extraordinary work for abused and neglected children
  • is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of abused, neglected or any child referred by the court
  • is trained to serve as the informed, independent and objective voice of a child referred by the judge
  • helps tell a child’s story in court
  • advocates and focuses on the child’s “best interest” and the child’s need for a safe permanent home as soon as possible

What is a CASA kid?

  • Any and all children before the court for whom a judge deems more factual, unbiased information is needed in order to rule in the best interests of the child
  • A minor in Juvenile Court or a child caught in the middle when adults in their world are working through challenges with the help of the court system
  • An unruly or delinquent child, a child caught in a custody dispute, or a child experiencing abuse or neglect

Why are CASA volunteers in a unique position to identify and satisfy needs that others may not know about?

  • CASA volunteers are specifically trained to listen and focus in on the best interests of the child, especially when others are focused on the adults in the scenario
  • CASA volunteers develop a relationship with the child that engenders trust and often endures for long periods of time
  • CASA volunteers often meet the child in their home environment and are privy to needs and necessities that may be lacking or in short supply
  • CASA volunteers often become confidantes for the child and are able to identify enrichment opportunities that can lift them up, instill confidence, or restore self-esteem

How many CASA volunteers and CASA kids are in Geauga County?

  • Over the last 3 years, CASA for Kids of Geauga County has helped over 135 CASA kids each year with barely over 55 CASA volunteers
  • CASA for Kids of Geauga County is the only program in the country that serves the Amish community, offering 3 Amish CASA’s
  • CASA for Kids of Geauga County is one of 58 county programs in the state of Ohio
  • CASA for Kids of Geauga County is one of 950 programs nationwide, collectively deploying 93,225 volunteers and helping 242,236 children annually as of 2021

For more information about CASA for Kids of Geauga County or to become a CASA Volunteer, please contact:

Mary Ruth Shumway

Director, CASA for Kids of Geauga County

440-279-1699