Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL)

The Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL) program recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers committed to advocating for the best interests of abused, neglected, and dependent children involved in the juvenile justice system through no fault of their own.

CASA/GAL volunteers assist the Court by reporting to Judge Teodosio and Magistrates the critical information needed to assure that the basic and essential needs of each child are examined and provided.

CASA volunteers are individuals from all walks of life; ordinary people willing to do extraordinary things for children. After completing mandatory training, the CASA volunteer receives an appointment from Judge Teodosio. The volunteer offers an independent and objective voice for children during Court hearings. The ultimate goals are for the child to receive the best care under the circumstances and to seek a safe and permanent home for the child as soon as possible.

330-643-2928

Contacts

CASA Main
330-643-2928

CASA Links and Forms

Tater Tot

Summit County CASA therapy dog

Meet Tater Tot

Funding

The program is funded by the Juvenile Court and the CASA/GAL Board Volunteer Association, Inc. The Association is a 501(c) 3 organization that promotes the program and assists the volunteers in partnership with the Court. In addition to funding provided by the National CASA/GAL Association, the program also receives resources rendered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office with grants from the Victims of Crime Act and the State Victims Assistance Act. Monetary support from the federal Title XX/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is distributed by the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services under Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro.