CASA Volunteers Sworn In By Circuit Court Judge Jeffery D. Cramer

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Volunteer Darrell Mayfield and the program’s newest employee Hanna Litman were sworn in by Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Cramer on Wednesday, March 20. Because of an urgent need for CASA volunteers, Mayfield received his first case appointment on this day.
CASA is a nonprofit organization that trains community volunteers to speak in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children. The program is accredited by the National CASA Association and serves Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Tyler Counties. A CASA volunteer acts as a fact finder of the child’s best interest, providing a judge with valuable information to help the Court make a sound decision about the child’s future. CASA Executive Director, Susan Harrison states that becoming a CASA volunteer requires a commitment to children, objectivity, responsibility, communication skills and approximately 8-10 hours per month. Once accepted, volunteers are trained in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of children who have been abused and neglected. With the information provided by CASA volunteers, judges are able to make informed decisions as to what is in the best interests of the child.
Hanna Litman joins the CASA staff as a volunteer supervisor. Litman’s background includes working with children in crisis as well as helping adults in addiction. Harrison states “We are really excited to have Hanna join our team, her background complements the important work we do, helping families recover and work through the reunification process”. Hanna’s office will be at the Wetzel County Center for Children and Families in New Martinsville and she will cover cases in both Wetzel and Tyler Counties.
More volunteers are needed. For information please call Harrison at the CASA office, 304-233-0333 or visit our website at www.wvcasaforchildren.org