Our Mission

We work for a world where every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.

CASA means Court Appointed Special Advocate. Since its creation by a juvenile court judge in Seattle, Washington, CASA has become one of the most effective advocacy programs of its kind. Today there are almost 950 CASA programs in 49 states. With more than 96,000 volunteers across the country, we are all committed to the rights of every child in the foster care and child welfare system.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate is a member of the community. We specially train volunteers to advocate in court for the best interest of children who have experience in Ohio’s child welfare system. CASA Volunteers are assigned to a child for the duration of a case, usually lasting a year or two. The average time spent in care is two years, during which they may change residences as many as three times — which is why CASA Volunteer work is so important.

The time is now: Each move means new foster parents or a new kinship placement, and often a new school. CASA Volunteers frequently become the only consistent adult presence in the child’s life. Our volunteers not only advocate for a safe home, but for educational and mental health resources. Because child welfare systems are constantly overloaded, CASA Volunteers may be the only adults who are part of the child’s life for a meaningful amount of time. More than 16,000 children in Ohio are currently in foster or kinship care.

The mission, vision, and role of Ohio CASA: Ohio CASA is a 501(c)(3) corporation that provides support to local CASA programs and their volunteers. Ongoing support includes training, funding, leadership, quality assurance, and management assistance. We have been working for more than 20 years to ensure safety and a permanent home for Ohio’s children. Today, 47 CASA Programs serve children in 60 Ohio counties.

Where We Are

There are 47 local CASA programs in Ohio serving children in 60 counties

By supporting local programs and volunteers, Ohio CASA helps Ohio children emerge from the trauma of abuse and neglect to an environment where they can thrive. We are part of a nationwide CASA network that recruits, screens and trains volunteers from local communities to help juvenile courts keep children safe and determine their best interest.

Our Work

Ohio CASA Volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children’s best interest. This best-interest advocacy makes a life-changing difference.

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Board of Directors

Joshua Eck

President, JobsOhio

Debbie Suckow

Vice President, 5/3 Bank

Steve Rigdon

Treasurer, KPMG

Brad Walters

Secretary, 5/3 Bank

Tillman Bauknight

Tonya Buchanan

Butler County CASA

Kevin Greenwood

Franklin County CASA

Sen. Jay Hottinger

State Senator, Retired

Dulce C. Hurst

Immediate Past President, Consultant

Tina Husted

Sotheby’s

Heather Ulrey

Mt. Carmel Health System

Staff

Doug Stephens

Executive Director

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Kathleen Glumac

Director of Program Services

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Megan McCombs Heydlauff

Director of Attorney Services

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Haley Nelson Peña

Director of Communications

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Kristin Gilbert

Director of Development

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Danielle Oder

Director of Training

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Madison Zelms

Project Assistant

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