Program has helped deal with poverty’s effects on area kids

To the Editor:

Recent news reports have disclosed that Athens County possesses the sad distinction of having the largest percentage of children under age 5 living in poverty in the state of Ohio. This poverty frequently means serious strain in the family and difficult living circumstances for many of our community's children. With high unemployment and other stressors facing families today, we have seen an increase in the number of children in our community placed in the care of Athens County Children Services due to abuse, neglect and other causes affecting the ability of their parents to properly care for them.

The Court-Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) program of the Athens County Juvenile Court has been in operation since 1993, training dedicated volunteer community members who are then appointed by the court to actively advocate for and represent the best interests of these children. Volunteers focus on and advocate for individual children and sibling groups who have come into temporary custody, focusing on the ultimate goal of permanent placement in safe and loving homes.

The most important thing about our program is that evidence from national studies shows that it really works. Children with CASA volunteers are much less likely to spend time in long-term foster care; they and their families are more likely to receive adjunct services; and they are more likely to end up in safe and permanent homes. Athens County Probate/Juvenile Judge Robert Stewart has pointed out that the CASA/GAL program is an integral part of the court’s commitment to finding the best solution to a family’s crisis and in ensuring that the child's need for a safe, nurturing, permanent home is the top priority. He has also lauded the fact that our volunteers' contributions result in a significant cost savings to the taxpayers of Athens County. However, the need continues to grow. Many more CASA volunteers are vital to our continued success.

Although we as individuals may not be able to alter the level of poverty in our county, we can have an enormous impact on the lives of these children. One way is to become a CASA volunteer. An informational meeting for potential CASA volunteers will be held Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 5:30 p.m. at the Athens Public Library, 30 Home St. Others who wish to volunteer may call us at 592-3255 or email casavolunteers@hotmail.com. Pre-service training starts in February.

Stand up and be counted. It is important to know that you can truly make a difference to a child who is in great need.

Linda Wicke,%u2028Volunteer Coordinator
Athens County CASA/GAL Program
South Court Street
Athens