Ocmulgee Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) celebrated with a reception at the Eatonton- Putnam Chamber of Commerce June 12, a quarter century of serving as a powerful voice in children’s lives. As part of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, comprised of Baldwin, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Putnam, and Wilkinson counties, CASA volunteers are individually assigned to an abuse or neglect case by a judge. CASAs then conduct thorough research on each case background, reviewing documents and interviewing everyone involved, including the child. So far, Ocmulgee CASA has trained more than 400 volunteers.
In court, the CASA-prepared report is presented to the presiding judge with recommendations made in the child’s best interest. This critical information helps the judge make an informed decision.
In 1999, the Ocmulgee CASA program was in its beginning stages, with Superior Court judges presiding over Juvenile Court.
CASA volunteers originally served only Baldwin and Wilkinson counties, but as more volunteers from throughout the circuit were trained, the program eventually grew to include all eight counties in the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit.
Judge Hulane George was instrumental in the founding of Ocmulgee CASA. Philip Spivey was later appointed as the Juvenile Court judge and served in that role until his 2021 retirement. Since that time, Judge Kelli Rutherford has served as the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Juvenile Court judge.
“Over the last 25 years, we have done our best to advocate for children who are in desperate situations. I encourage all present today to keep talking with each other,” said Lori Muggridge, the former CASA executive director who led the original development of Ocmulgee CASA.
“Continue looking for solutions for these children. We want them to feel safe, secure, and free to be themselves without fear of retribution.”
Current Ocmulgee CASA Executive Director Elaine Odom has been with the program for 23 years.
“When Ocmulgee CASA was founded 25 years ago, the vision was simple but profound: to provide a powerful voice for the most vulnerable and voiceless members of our community – abused and neglected children,” Odom said.
“Today, as we look back on our journey, we can say with certainty that we have upheld that vision with unwavering determination and passion.”
– Contributed
