Miami County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian Ad Litem program is looking to the community at the advent of a new year as they call for more volunteers to be the voice of abused or neglected children in the court system. CASA/GAL is a local 501(c)3 organization with offices at 405 Public Square in downtown Troy. This court-contracted group offers consistent support and advocacy for children under the protection of the Juvenile Court and Children’s Services. The average number of children in the CASA program every year is 125.

As of today, 85 cases are active in the court system and supervised by CASA/GAL volunteers.

Jennifer Sanders has been the director of CASA/GAL since 2007. “We hardly ever have to change a CASA throughout the life of a case,” Sanders said. “Our CASA’s stay with the child and provide a constant in their life throughout the entire time they are in the system.”

Sanders currently has 41 CASA volunteers, many of whom have been active participants in the program for more than 5 years. The organization asks for a two-year commitment by a volunteer of more than 21 years of age. A clean criminal record and 30 hours of preliminary training is required prior to being sworn in by the Miami County Juvenile Court Judge. An additional 12 hours of subsequent training is needed every year to keep a CASA current on legislation and compliance. Working closely with Children’s Services, the CASA investigates a child’s family, school, and any other pertinent information pertaining to the child’s situation to make recommendations to the court for action on the child’s behalf. Most often, Sanders will specifically choose a CASA for their background in an area where a child is known to have need. For instance, in a case where a child struggles with learning, a CASA is often chosen who has experience in education.

“I wish I had a crystal ball for these kids sometimes,” Sanders said. “Our primary hope is that we can be there for them during a difficult time and make a positive impact.”

One of CASA’s longest active volunteers is a woman by the name of Kay Kaebnick who has been working with CASA/GAL almost since its inception in 1995. Kaebnick says the reason she continues to work with the program is because, “once you finish a case, there is always another child who needs help.” Although a mere two-year commitment is required, Kaebnick has devoted nearly two decades of her time, talent and compassion. She has served a total of 45 children.

According to Kaebnick, the number one quality a volunteer CASA must have is compassion, closely followed by number two: dedication. “Most of the time, it’s difficult to see any progress but occasionally something wonderful happens and you think ‘this is the reason I’m doing this,’” Kaebnick said. “You go through all the emotions of anger, sadness, and happiness but I’ve never found that it’s not worth it.”

As a wife, mother and grandmother, Kaebnick understands the necessity of stability and a sense of family relationships during times of difficulty and transition. “Some of these children come from situations an adult would struggle to cope with,” Kaebnick said. “You come to care deeply about what happens to the child and some you even continue to be involved in their lives after they’re no longer in the system.”

Many CASA volunteers are either retired or working part time to support the lifestyle that accompanies their role. Hundreds of abused and neglected children have received help from the people of Troy over the years. Sanders said that throughout her time serving as director for CASA/GAL in Miami County, the organization has never lacked for anything. “We live in a wonderful community,” Sanders said. “In spite of those people who have subjected children to harm, there are so many more people who have tremendous compassion and are looking for ways to help.”

Those interested in applying to the CASA program are encouraged to visit miamicountycasa.org for more information or email Jennifer Sanders at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Training classes for 2016 begin in March.

Jennifer Sanders