CASA of Medina County Swears In First-Ever CASA Volunteer Class 

14 Community Members Will Advocate for Children Experiencing Abuse and Neglect  

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Medina County marked a milestone moment as 14 community members were sworn in as the program’s inaugural CASA volunteer class in February. 

Family members, representatives from The Children’s Center of Medina County, community partners, and members of the Ohio CASA Network gathered for the swearing-in ceremony at the Medina County Probate and Juvenile Court. 

“It has been so exciting to walk alongside our 14 CASA volunteers in this inaugural training class,” said CASA of Medina County Program Director Erin Grohe. “They have demonstrated such commitment to the children of our county already through their training efforts. I know they will be a powerful force for the best interest of children on their cases.” 

Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kevin Dunn presided over the event, administering the oath to each incoming CASA volunteer. He praised each community member for becoming a powerful voice for children in Medina County experiencing abuse and neglect. 

“This is a great day for our county,” Judge Dunn said. “Having all these great volunteers willing to step up and help children, help the court, and help their community, is awesome.” 

Establishing a CASA program in Medina County has been a priority for years, according to Judge Dunn. Through a partnership with The Children’s Center of Medina County, that vision has now become a reality. 

The 14 new CASA volunteers completed extensive training to prepare for their new roles advocating for children involved in the juvenile court system. As CASA volunteers, they will get to know the children and their families and provide detailed recommendations to the court regarding each child’s best interest. 

The launch of CASA of Medina County program reflects months of planning, training, and collaboration to ensure CASA volunteers are well-equipped to advocate effectively. 

Doug Stephens, Executive Director of Ohio CASA, emphasized the importance of expanding services into Medina County and strengthening advocacy efforts across the state. 

“Every time we establish a CASA program, we’re building stronger support systems for children who need consistency and a voice in court,” said Stephens. “Medina County’s commitment to creating this program demonstrates a deep investment in protecting children and strengthening families. We are thrilled to see this community join the Ohio CASA Network.” 

With the new class sworn in, CASA of Medina County is ready to begin accepting case appointments from the court. Each CASA volunteer will typically serve on one or two cases at a time, allowing them to provide focused, individualized attention. 

Many of the Ohio children served by CASA volunteers are among the approximately 14,000 children in foster care at any given time. CASA volunteers serve more than 9,000 children across the state each year. 

CASA of Medina County is part of a national network of programs dedicated to giving children a voice in the court system. In Ohio, CASA volunteers have been making a difference for children since 1980. 

Community members interested in learning more about CASA of Medina County’s mission or signing up to become a volunteer can visit the program’s website, MedinaCountyCASA.org. 

Medina County is part of Ohio’s growing CASA network. To find a CASA program near you, visit OhioCASA.org.