The Athens County Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Program is a local non-profit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children who are involved with Juvenile Court.Our program utilizes trained, local volunteers to serve as a neutral party in all court proceedings and who make recommendations to the court about what is in the child’s best interest.Our main goal is to make sure that all children are in permanent and safe homes.

CASA/GAL volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary work for abused and neglected children. Presently, the Athens CASA/GAL program utilizes over 20 volunteers and serves over 100 children.According to a number of studies, children assigned to a CASA/GAL volunteer spend less time in the court system and receive more services that kids who do not have CASA/GAL representation, and are more likely to be placed in permanent homes.

There are many ways to become involved with CASA/GAL. Become a volunteer, hold a fundraiser, or make a donation.

To get more information about the Athens CASA/GAL Program and/or becoming a volunteer, see below and contact Director Coleen Dietsch-Krubl at 740-592-3255 or ckrubl@athensoh.org.

From the Judge

The CASA/GAL Program is an integral component of Athens County Juvenile Courts’ commitment to provide abused and neglected children with safe and stable homes.  Volunteers from all walks of life are trained in the working of the social service and court systems and are paired with children whose family lives are in crisis.  As advocates for the best interests of the children, they provide all parties and the court with valuable information and insight.

If you are willing to sacrifice a portion of your personal time and are interested in helping the needy youth of our county, I strongly encourage you to contact Rebecca Miller and become part of this wonderful project.

Robert W. Stewart
Probate/ Juvenile Judge
Athens County