The Lucas County CASA Podcast

The Power of Showing Up: CASA Volunteers in Action

We discuss how CASA volunteers show up for the children we serve with attorney Julie Jacek. Julie is a founding partner at Jacek Bookmiller Legal, LLC, where she focuses her practice on family and child-related legal matters. With years of experience advocating for children and families, Julie brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to ensuring every child’s voice is heard. She has seen firsthand the difference a CASA volunteer makes in the courtroom and in a child’s life.

How CASA Volunteers Support Youth in PPLA

In this episode, we explore an important and sometimes misunderstood topic: Planned Permanent Living Arrangements, or PPLAs. What happens when a child in foster care isn’t likely to be adopted or reunited with their parents? And what role do CASA volunteers play in making sure these children still have the stability, guidance, and opportunities they need for the future? To help us answer these questions, we welcome two incredible guests: Mary Bohnet, CASA Coach and Emancipation Specialist, and Amy Cox, Lucas County Children Services Independent Living Unit Supervisor.

CASA Children with Special Needs Succeeding at School

In this episode, we’re diving into how CASA volunteers can help children with special needs succeed in school. Our guest is attorney Brianna Stephan, an expert in education law and a passionate advocate for children with disabilities. We’ll talk about Individualized Education Plans, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. We’ll also explore why this knowledge is critical for CASA volunteers and how it can help children achieve their educational goals.

The Role of CASA in a Child's Health Journey

We know that children in foster care often face unique health challenges, from physical health needs to mental health support, and even access to basic care. CASA volunteers are not doctors, but they are powerful advocates who help ensure that children get the resources, attention, and support they need for a healthier future.

Looking Through the Right Lens: Poverty and CASA Advocacy

In our prior episode, we spoke with CASA Staff Attorney Mary Meadows about the findings of the Ohio CASA Evaluation. For this episode, we’ll focus on one of the most important and often misunderstood factors we cover in our training: the impact of poverty on children and families. To help us unpack this topic, we're joined by CASA Director Chris Caryer.