Wayne County funding helps advocates for abused children

The child welfare system can be an overwhelming and confusing place for children and families who are experiencing trauma or crisis. Often, children find themselves lost in the courts with no one to look out for them or speak up for their needs. This situation is when National Court Appointed Special Advocate Guardian Ad Litem Program volunteers intervene and provide a voice for children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect.

Recently, the Wayne County commissioners approved the purchase of specialized software from Envito that will allow CASA volunteers to access mobile tools that will deliver measurable results.

“This is a case management software program that will allow our volunteers to be more efficient with their time,” said Karin Wiest, director of the Wayne County Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem Program. “This software will also help me produce reports required for the courts and grant applications.”

According to Wiest, data can be provided with less effort because of the robust database that powers the software.

“Right now I prepare reports manually,” Wiest said. “With this software I can pull data automatically. It will save a lot of time and improve communication between volunteers and myself because they can upload information about their cases themselves without me having to call or email them to get it.”

The role of a GAL is multifaceted and demanding. Volunteers work closely with children, families, social workers, teachers and other professionals involved in the child’s life to gather information and form a comprehensive understanding of the child’s circumstances. They attend court hearings, review case files and conduct interviews to make recommendations to the court about the child’s welfare, placement and any necessary services or support.

According to Wiest, having this type of software in place will make the life of a volunteer much easier and hopefully will attract new ones.

“We are definitely in need of volunteers. The GAL does an independent investigation of a child’s circumstances and becomes the eyes and ears of the judge,” Wiest said. “The GAL will report to the court regarding the child’s best interests. The biggest issue right now is substance abuse. Kids are being born with drugs in their system. But there is also physical abuse, neglect and mental illness that volunteers help with.”

Anyone interested in becoming a GAL may call 330-287-5574 for more information. Initial training consists of attending several classroom sessions on various topics and courtroom observation.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.