History : Our Impact : Erie County CASA

History

History

In 1977, Judge David Soukup of Seattle started the first CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program. The idea was inspired after a three-year-old little girl, who suffered from abuse. Judge Soukup did not have sufficient information regarding the child or what was in her “best interest.” This prompted the nationwide CASA movement. Created was the idea of using trained community volunteers as Guardians Ad Litem (GAL) instead of paid attorneys.

In 1979, Lucas County, Ohio founded the third CASA program in the United States.

In 1991, two civic leaders, Esther Sutton and Jackie Niven, along with the support of the Erie County Juvenile Court Judge Donald Ramsey, established the Erie County CASA Program. These two ambitious and determined ladies operated the local CASA program voluntarily for two years until hiring their first paid staff person in 1993 - Patricia James. Patty remained with the program until her retirement in March 2024.

Ester Sutton

Co-Founder
Jackie Niven

Co-Founder/Board Member
Patty James

Program Coordinator
1993-2024

Our impact this year has changed our community!

CASA Volunteers

24
Children Served in 2024

134
Monthly Miles To Visit CASA Children

809 Miles

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Our Sponsors

Ohio Attorney General - Crime Victim Services
Murray & Murray
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