From left are Katie Woodring, Karis Barbee, Angi Dougherty, Judge James A Shriver, Erica Hesch, and Fred Lawrence
CASA for Clermont Kids and the Honorable Judge James A. Shriver held a swearing in ceremony on Monday, June 9 adding five new Guardians ad Litem to their volunteer based program.

CASA for Clermont Kids is a non-profit agency that advocates for the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children who have been introduced into Clermont County Juvenile Court. CASA recruits and trains community involved citizens to volunteer as Guardians ad Litem who independently work in the court system to serve as the child’s advocate and court representative.

Established in 1998, CASA for Clermont Kids served 231 abused, neglected, and dependent children in Clermont County in 2013 alone.

Typically, the children have been removed from their parents and placed in foster care due to no fault of their own. The five new volunteers will join the CASA team of 51 volunteers who volunteer their time to work with the children who find themselves in need of a voice in the courtroom.

When asked why she chose CASA, new CASA volunteer Angi Dougherty said, “I chose CASA because I believe that abused and neglected children need to know someone is focused solely on their best interest. They need to be heard, and I want to listen.”

CASA Executive Director Alison Royalty said, “CASA for Clermont Kids success can only be credited to the generous support of local community and volunteers like Angi who want to make a difference in the lives of children.”

The number of children in need continues to rise each year. CASA for Clermont Kids is in need of additional volunteers who are interested in giving back to the community.

For community involved citizens who wish to be the voice for a child within the court, you can make application for next training beginning in September.

For more information on how to become an advocate contact Jess Seamon at Jessica@ casaforclermontkids.org or (513) 732-7166.

For more information about CASA for Clermont Kids or to learn more about our sponsors check out our website at www.casaforclermontkids.org.