What We Do

CASA volunteers are
Court Appointed Special Advocates

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers are local people from all walks of life. After comprehensive training, volunteers advocate for a child’s best interest in court. These are local children who experience abuse and neglect. Many are in the foster care system.

A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to advocate for a child’s best interest. The volunteer talks with the child, family members, teachers and others to complete their report. A CASA volunteer shares that background information, including objective recommendations, to assist the judge or magistrate in making the best decision for the child.

Meigs-Gallia CASA volunteers are community members who have been rigorously screened and trained. CASA volunteers must:

  • Be at least 21-years-old

  • Pass a background check

  • Complete at least 30 hours of pre-service training, plus in-court observation

  • Accumulate 12 hours of continuing education every year

Volunteers get continued support from the Meigs-Gallia CASA team and state non-profit Ohio CASA.

“I volunteer with CASA to be a voice for children who need it most. I want their thoughts and feelings to be heard in the court room.”

-Meigs-Gallia CASA Volunteer

“They do a phenomenal job of training and supporting their volunteers in the program. You’ll never regret making a difference in a child’s story."

-Meigs-Gallia CASA Volunteer

Our CASA team:

  • Chelsey Kloes is the Executive Director of the Meigs-Gallia CASA/GAL Program. Prior to coming to the Meigs-Gallia CASA/GAL Program, Chelsey worked at Meigs County Children Services as an intake, ongoing, and foster care worker. Chelsey completed her undergraduate degree at Ohio University, majoring in Social Work and a minor in Communication Studies. Chelsey completed her undergraduate practicum at Meigs County Children Services prior to employment.

    Chelsey has volunteered in several different capacities working with children. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Gallia Meigs Community Action Agency and the Southeast Ohio Region Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council. Chelsey is a mother to two girls, a coach's wife, and a bonus momma to two boys. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her family, baking or traveling.

  • Misty Givens is the Volunteer Coordinator for the Meigs-Gallia CASA/GAL Program.

    She has recently moved to Ohio from the state of Delaware after graduating from Wilmington University with her associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Over the past 15 years, Misty has worked within the medical field assisting health care providers, physicians, school personnel, children, and families. Whether as a receptionist, administrative assistant, teacher, or volunteer mentor, her life has been enriched by the youth and adults she has encountered throughout these years.

    Misty has a passion to make a difference within the children and families in the local community in any meaningful way possible. In Misty's free time, she enjoys being outside gardening, reading, and taking walks with her German Shepard puppy, Zara.