CASA

Court Appointed Special Advocates

Judge Spon began the Richland County Juvenile Court CASA program in 1998 to serve the unique needs of abused and neglected children in our community. As his successor, Judge Steve McKinley recognizes that the CASA program plays an important role in Richland County Juvenile Court’s commitment to providing abused and neglected children with safe, stable, nurturing and permanent homes.

Becoming a CASA volunteer is an investment of time, energy, and heart. To become a volunteer or to learn more about this meaningful volunteer opportunity, please call or e-mail.

For more information on how to become a CASA Volunteer contact:
Director of CASA/GAL:
Brooke Henwood - bhenwood@rcjcoh.us
(419) 774-5802

CASA/GAL Pre-Service Training Richland County Juvenile Court

411 South Diamond Street, Mansfield, Ohio 44902
Right end of building—follow signs to lower level

CASA/GAL training and materials are provided at no cost.
Please contact Brooke Henwood, Director, at (419) 774-5802 with questions 

This training has been partially funded through a contract between Ohio CASA and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. OHIO CASA supports local CASA/GAL programs throughout Ohio with training, technical assistance, legislative support, and standards implementation so volunteers may advocate for abused, neglected, and dependent children in the court system.

CASA Volunteers

How to become a CASA Volunteers?

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. While there are no special educational requirements, volunteers must meet the following qualifications:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Complete an application and submit references
• Go through a screening process that includes an interview and a criminal background check
• Complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training
• Secure 6 hours of continuing education each year

Responsibilities of a CASA Volunteer

A CASA volunteer has four primary responsibilities:

• Research a child’s circumstances, interview those who know the child’s history, review appropriate records, determine relevant facts in a child’s case, and provide written reports containing those facts and resulting recommendations to the Court.
• Facilitate fulfilling the child’s needs by identifying resources and services for the child, and by supporting a collaborative working relationship.
• Advocate for a child by speaking up for the child in Court as to what actions the CASA volunteer believes will serve the child’s best interests.
• Monitor the case and keep track of whether the child’s court-ordered service plan is being fulfilled in accordance with the orders of the Court.

Our Volunteers Say...

Being a CASA is meaningful and rewarding because...

"I find being a CASA rewarding in a different way than you expect.
There may not be that instant pat on the back, but deep down you know
the well-being of the child is being focused on, and that is never in vain."

"It is important to me that each child has a voice. It is important to me that
children have an advocate who speaks on their behalf to express their best interests.
The fact that CASAs are unpaid volunteers speaks loudly that they truly love
children and want to make a difference, one child at a time."

"As I explain to friends what my role as a CASA is, once I explain it is my duty
to look out for the best interest of neglected and abused children, they
usually respond with, 'Oh, I could never do that!' My answer is, “If I don’t, who will?"

"I find volunteering as a CASA rewarding because I can see real progress
being made in a child’s life through the efforts of CASA and
Children Services to do what is best for the child."

"A child who is the subject of a CASA case touches many people. Everyone wants what is in the best interest of the child; however, there is often disagreement about the best path. A CASA has the opportunity to provide valuable insight into these complex and emotional situations. I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate in this honorable pursuit."

~ Herb Homan, Richland County CASA Volunteer since 2016