From JUDGE DAVID WOESSNER, WOOD COUNTY JUVENILE COURT
Wood County Juvenile Court Judge David E. Woessner administered the Oath of Office on July 16 to two community members who will serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians ad Litem (CASA/GALs) and to four community members who will serve three-year terms on the Wood County Juvenile Court Citizen’s Review Board (CRB).
CASA/GAL Volunteer Coordinators Melody Armour and Anna Schaublin, both of Bowling Green, took the oaths of office to serve as CASA/GALs. Both Armour and Schaublin currently serve as volunteer coordinators for the Juvenile Court’s CASA/GAL program.
In addition, the Wood County Juvenile Court Citizen’s Review Board welcomed Samantha Kopf Apple of Toledo, Mary Krueger of Bowling Green, and Julie Luther of Luckey as new members. Linda Hammer of Wayne was also appointed to serve another term. The Citizen’s Review Board actively reviews case plans for abused, neglected and dependent youth in Wood County.
In making the appointments, Woessner noted, “We truly appreciate the efforts of all of our volunteers. Our trained CASA/GAL volunteers provide a much-needed service for the youth and families of Wood County. Our Citizen Review Board members are an integral part of the team approach in reviewing placement and services involved in the juvenile court system. We are fortunate to have so many people willing to help.”
Since 1988, Wood County CASA/GAL volunteers have advocated for children who have experienced abuse, neglect or dependency by gathering information about the children for the court. CRB volunteers meet regularly to review and make recommendations to the court concerning case plans written by the Children Services Unit of the Department of Job and Family Services. These case plans detail the services needed to assist children and their families.
Individuals interested in volunteering with the Wood County CASA/GAL program or with the Citizen’s Review Board may contact Kristen Leverton, program director, or a volunteer coordinator at 419-352-3554.
