Judge David Woessner of the Wood County Juvenile Court has announced that the Wood County CASA/GAL
Program has been awarded certification by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Association. This certification recognizes that the local program is in compliance with National CASA’s
standards for quality child advocacy.
According to Michael Piraino, CEO of the National CASA Association, "The National CASA quality
assurance process is very rigorous, and reflects our commitment to ensure every child we serve has the
most powerful volunteer advocate working on their behalf. This certification says Wood County CASA/GAL
Program has demonstrated to us a strong capacity to provide excellent services to the abused and
neglected children within their community."
The Wood County program started in 1988 and currently has 35 community volunteers serving 75 children
alleged to be abused, neglected or dependent. Woessner noted, "We are truly fortunate in Wood
County to have dedicated citizens who are willing to help and assist children in need by serving as
CASA/GALs in the Wood County Juvenile Court. The lives of hundreds if not thousands of youth over the
years have been touched by this program and its volunteers."
The program will begin its next volunteer pre-service training soon. For those interested in learning
more about serving as a volunteer, visit www.woodcountycasa.org or contact Program Director Carol Fox or
Sheila Plassman at (419) 352-3554 or [email protected].