Community volunteers sought

Lawrence County has welcomed a new court-based program that aims to support and advocate for abused and neglected children in the foster care system.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Southern Ohio has officially expanded to Lawrence County, offering a crucial opportunity for community members to become the voice for vulnerable children. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort by dedicated leaders and organizations committed to improving outcomes for foster youth.

Judge Patricia Sanders of the Lawrence County Juvenile Court and CASA of Southern Ohio executive director Cortney Brumley played key roles in bringing the program to the county. Their dedication has opened doors for local residents to serve as CASA volunteers. The program offers a free, yet required 30-hour pre-service training to prepare individuals to advocate for the best interests of children navigating the foster care system. This preservice training is approved by the Ohio Supreme Court and will certify community members who complete it to become CASA Guardian Ad Litems.

Each volunteer must be 21 years old, pass a local and national background check and take the preservice training, as well as complete an additional 12 continuing education hours each year.

CASA volunteers provide a consistent presence for children in foster care, representing their needs and wishes in court proceedings and ensuring their cases receive timely attention.  Once trained and sworn in, a CASA volunteer will be appointed a child or child group (siblings) who have entered foster care. They will meet with their child monthly, interview all parties of the case and attend court hearings to represent the child’s best interest. This appointment will last the duration of the time the child is in foster care; this is usually for 12-22 months. The CASA volunteer meets with the child monthly and works as an unbiased party to present the child’s wishes and best interest to the court.

Ohio CASA’s support made this expansion possible, reflecting the organization’s continued commitment to improving child advocacy services across the state. Adams County Court Honorable Judge Brett Spencer has also been instrumental in this effort, agreeing for his county to service as the hub for the newly-expanded CASA of Southern Ohio program.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ohio CASA, Judge Sanders, Judge Spencer, and all those who have made this possible,” said Brumley.  “The children in our region deserve strong advocates who can ensure their voices are heard, and I am confident that Lawrence County will rise to this challenge.”

Local resident, Julie Cannon has been a CASA for Scioto County for three years. She advocated for Lawrence County to take on the program and her advocacy efforts have been instrumental in working to expand for Lawrence County.

Brumley’s leadership extends beyond Southern Ohio. She currently serves on the National CASA Rural Leadership Committee, where she works to promote the expansion of advocacy services in rural communities across the nation. Her commitment to building a strong network of support for children in foster care is evident in the rapid growth of CASA services in Southern Ohio.

Assisting in this mission is volunteer coordinator Lecia Menshouse, who has been appointed to lead the program’s efforts in Lawrence County. Menshouse will be responsible for recruiting and training local volunteers, building partnerships and ensuring that every child assigned to CASA receives quality advocacy. Lecia brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the program. Having worked in previous administrative positions advocating for children and adults, she has the heart and passion to create a thriving community of strong volunteers.

“Having dedicated, well-trained volunteers is at the heart of CASA’s mission,” said Menshouse. “We are calling on the people of Lawrence County to step forward and make a difference in the lives of children who need a stable, caring adult by their side.”

Residents of Lawrence County interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can contact CASA of Southern Ohio to learn more about the upcoming training sessions. Volunteers do not need prior legal or child welfare experience – just a commitment to making a positive impact.

By stepping up to serve, community members can help give children in foster care a brighter future and the hope of a permanent, loving home.

For more information on volunteering with CASA of Southern Ohio, visit our website at www.casaofsouthernohio.org  or email Cortney@casaofsouthernohio.org for more information.