Each year in Georgia, thousands of children are in need of permanent home placement as a result of abuse or neglect. Many of those children spend time in the court system, and one group is there to make sure that throughout the sometimes confusing and painful journey through the court system, the best interests of the child are addressed. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are volunteers assigned to the children to make sure their well-being is maintained throughout the legal process. CASA volunteers are highly trained and maintain contact with children going through court proceedings as a point of contact.

Locally, Ocmulgee CASA makes sure that the children in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit have someone in their corner when it comes time to go to court. Director Lori Muggridge runs the agency to make sure that no child slips through the cracks and have a steady, consistent adult present during court proceedings. Muggridge works to run the organization so that if a child needs representation, they have it. Part of CASAs funding comes through fundraisers that are geared toward supplementing the program so as to better provide the service. None of the money goes to pay volunteers — volunteers perform their duties without compensation — but instead goes to maintain the organizational structure to be able to provide the service to children.

Volunteers are trained throughout the year and provide CASA services in Baldwin and surrounding counties.

As part of her duties coordinating the organization, Muggridge oversees fundraising activities throughout the year that helps with CASA’s ultimate goal of providing a safe, permanent home to each child it serves.

Most recently, CASA held a golf tournament and raised a substantial amount of money.

“We raised $37,000 and there was a hole in one on a par four,” Muggridge said. “There was another hole in one on a par three. It was a big day.”

In its 21st year, CASA has advocated for thousands of children in Georgia who have faced turns in the court system. CASA advocates are carefully screened and are then trained. They come from all walks of life.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate, call Muggridge at CASA at (478) 452-9170 or visit www.gacasa.org.

Ocmulgee CASA represents Baldwin, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Putnam and Wilkinson counties.