Our Mission

Ohio CASA works to ensure children who have experienced abuse or neglect have a voice in the juvenile court system through highly-trained volunteer advocates.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Since its founding in 1977 by a juvenile court judge in Seattle, Washington, CASA volunteer advocacy has grown significantly. Today, there are more than 950 CASA programs in 49 states, with over 96,000 CASA volunteers across the country.

CASA volunteers are community members from all walks of life. After comprehensive training, CASA volunteers advocate in court for the best interest of Ohio children who have experienced abuse and neglect. These children become involved in the court system through no fault of their own. Many are in the foster care system. CASA volunteers speak with the child and the important adults in their life, staying with the child throughout the duration of the case.

CASA volunteers are often the only consistent adult presence in the child’s life. They share the child’s wishes with the court, and make best interest recommendations. These recommendations can involve decisions regarding where the child should live or what services they may need. On average, CASA volunteers in Ohio serve more than 9,000 children a year. At any given time, there are more than 15,000 Ohio children in foster or kinship care.

Ohio CASA is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports local CASA programs and volunteers. Ohio CASA has been providing training, funding, communications, quality assurance, and other support for more than 35 years. Now, there are 48 CASA programs statewide that serve children in need in 62 counties.

Where We Are

There are 48 local CASA programs in Ohio serving children in 62 counties

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

Our Work

CASA volunteers are appointed by Ohio judges to advocate for children’s best interest. Data and personal testimony show that this best-interest advocacy can make a life-changing, positive difference.

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Board of Directors

Steve Rigdon

President, KPMG

Heather Ulrey

Vice President, Mt. Carmel Health System

Sen. Jay Hottinger

Secretary, State Senator, Retired

Jennifer Phillips

Treasurer, Elliott Davis

Tillman Bauknight

IT Consultant

Tonya Buchanan

Butler County CASA

Tracie Cress

CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties

Joshua Eck

Immediate Past President, JobsOhio

Kevin Greenwood

Franklin County CASA

Dulce C. Hurst

Consultant

Tina Husted

Sotheby’s

Kimberly Jenney

North Central Ohio Media Group

Carolyn Riley, Esq.

Grange Insurance

Debbie Suckow

5/3 Bank

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

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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