Judge Dunn proposes CASA program to address juvenile guardian shortage in Medina County

The Medina County Commissioners' Meeting on February 11, 2025, highlighted significant developments aimed at enhancing community support for vulnerable children through the proposed establishment of a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. Judge Dunn presented the initiative, emphasizing the urgent need for additional guardians ad litem (GALs) to address a growing backlog of cases involving child abuse, neglect, and delinquency.

Currently, Medina County faces a shortage of GALs, with only nine attorneys managing a high volume of cases. In 2023 and 2024 alone, there were 343 delinquency filings and 80 abuse and neglect cases, leading to substantial costs for the county. The proposed CASA program aims to recruit and train volunteers to serve as advocates for children in these situations, thereby alleviating the burden on the existing legal system and providing more personalized support for affected youth.

The CASA program, which operates in 60 of Ohio's 88 counties, would be funded initially through a $75,000 commitment from the CASA Foundation, with an additional request for $25,000 from the county to cover startup costs. This funding would support the hiring of an executive director to oversee the program and coordinate volunteer efforts. The Child Advocacy Center has agreed to assist with administrative support during the program's establishment.

The commissioners discussed the importance of community involvement in the CASA program, noting that potential volunteers could include retired professionals with a background in education or healthcare. The program aims to create a sustainable model that not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term community engagement and support for children in the foster care system.

In addition to the CASA program, the meeting also touched on local historical events, including Hinkley’s 200th anniversary celebration and the introduction of "Historical Thursdays" on social media to promote local historical societies and their activities.

As the commissioners move forward with the CASA initiative, they aim to secure the necessary funding and support to launch the program, which promises to make a significant impact on the lives of children in Medina County. The next steps will involve finalizing the budget and beginning the search for an executive director to lead this vital community effort.