Celebrating over 30 years of Volunteer Advocacy Service to Wood County's Abused, Neglected and Dependent Children
Since 1988, Wood County CASA/GAL Program provided a volunteer advocate to over 2,700 children who provided over 76,000 hours of volunteer service to these children. A Brief History of the CASA/GAL Program In 1977, a Seattle Juvenile Court Judge (Judge Soukup) concerned about making drastic
decisions with insufficient information conceived the idea of citizen
volunteers speaking up for the best interests of abused and neglected children
in the courtroom. This became the first named "King
County GAL Program." (Later named "Dependency CASA Program").
In November 1980, as this concept spread across the country, the first CASA program in
Ohio was established in Lucas County. This was the third CASA program in the nation.
In May 1987, the Ohio
CASA/GAL Association was organized in order to assist with program development and supports throughout the state. http://www.ohiocasa.org/
In 1988, under the leadership and encouragement of then Juvenile and Probate Court Judge Robert Pollex, and with the input and
support from members of the public, the
Wood County CASA/GAL Program began as a component of the Juvenile Probation Department.
Additional timeline information includes: 1988 - The Citizen Review Board was developed and implemented.
1994 - Hired a part time Volunteer Coordinator, who reported to Probation Director.
1995 - The Volunteer Coordinator position became full time.
1995 - Friends of CASA, 501(c)(3) established; controlled by Board of Trustees. Goals: public awareness and aid program with financial needs.
1996 - Judge Pollex approved CASA Program to become a separate Juvenile Court department.
2000 (Spring) - Program reorganization included the development of formalized program specific policies, job descriptions and program goals; prioritized appointing a volunteer advocate to children who had been alleged as abused, neglected and dependent. Staffed with one full-time Director, hired in May 2000, and two part-time Volunteer Coordinators.
2000 (Nov) - First program review by Ohio CASA for National CASA Standards of Quality Practice-100% compliance.
2001 (June) - Judge Woessner granted GAL status to CASA volunteers.
2015 (Fall) - Staffing hours gradually increased beginning in 2008. By 2015 the program had two full-time Volunteer Coordinators and a part-time Recruitment/Office Support position funded by the federal VOCA grant with county/in-kind match in addition to a full time Program Director funded by the county.
2017 - With the assistance of 41 volunteers, 171 Wood County abused, neglected and dependent children received the services of a CASA/GAL Volunteer advocate. The largest number of children served since program was established.
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