CASA seeks volunteers

TIFFIN — CASA is calling on community members to step up, step in and step forward to help change a child's story. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot counties relies on volunteers to meet the needs of victimized and struggling children. The organization is hosting a training orientation at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the CASA office, 21 Court St., Tiffin. CASA volunteers, according to casaofssw.org, are "appointed by judges to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the court system." These trained advocates investigate cases, gather information and make recommendations to help ensure children's needs are met and permanent, safe homes are found. Michelle Hess, assistant director of the tri-county program, said the number of cases continues to climb, but volunteer numbers are dropping. In 2024, CASA served 238 children across the three counties with the help of 53 volunteers. That number is expected to rise to between 280 and 300 children this year, she noted, and more volunteers are needed to meet the demand. The caseload has grown more complex as well. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and substance use have become the leading causes of trauma CASA sees in children's lives, Hess said. "Those are by far the largest trauma causes," she explained. "And a lot of times, those are intertwined. We're seeing how much damage that's doing." She added simply, "It's rough on everyone." To become a CASA volunteer, individuals must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check and complete a 30-hour training program. Volunteers typically spend around eight hours a month on advocacy work. No legal experience is necessary. "Every child deserves to feel safe, heard and valued," Hess said in a press release. "With just a few hours a month, volunteers can help a child look back on their childhood with gratitude, not regret." She highlighted former Tiffin Mayor Dawn Iannantuono as a recent success story. Iannantuono expressed interest in CASA during her time in office, completed the spring training and has since taken on her first case. "She's come full circle in her commitment," Hess said. "And she's doing amazing." Looking back, Hess shared the story of a volunteer-teen match that continues to stick with her. About seven years ago, a CASA volunteer was appointed to support a teen girl navigating deep grief and instability. Her mother had died, and custody was granted to her 19-year-old sister—an arrangement that didn't sit well. "She rebelled a lot," Hess recalled. But the volunteer stayed steady. "We're going to be best friends by the end," she told the teen on their first day. There were setbacks, but over time, the teen's grades improved and she stayed out of trouble. She later shared her story at a CASA fundraiser, reflecting on the powerful role her advocate played in her life. Now an adult and thriving in her career, she's even expressed interest in volunteering for CASA herself. "She knows what they're going through," Hess said.