Current Juvenile Court Judge Kelli Rutherford and Phil Spivey, previous Juvenile Court Judge.

Ocmulgee Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recently celebrated a significant milestone – 25 years of serving as a powerful voice in children’s lives. To celebrate, a reception was held on June 12 at the Eatonton Chamber of Commerce.

As part of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, which is comprised of eight counties (Baldwin, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Jones, Morgan, Putnam and Wilkinson), CASA volunteers are assigned to an abuse or neglect case by a judge. CASAs conduct thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing documents, and interviewing everyone involved, including the child. In court, the CASA has prepared a report for the judge with recommendations made in the best interest of the child. This critical information helps the judge make an informed decision.

In 1999, the Ocmulgee CASA program was in the beginning stages of development, with Superior Court judges presiding over Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers originally served only Baldwin and Wilkinson counties. As more volunteers from throughout the circuit were trained, the program grew one county at a time to include all 8 counties. To date, Ocmulgee CASA has trained over 400 volunteers in 25 years.

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 he retired in 2021. Judge Kelli Rutherford was appointed as the Juvenile Court judge in 2021 and continues to serve in that role.

Lori Muggridge, former executive director who led in the development of Ocmulgee CASA, spoke at the reception. She says, “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. Continue looking for solutions for these children. We want them to feel safe, secure, and free to be themselves without fear of retribution.”

Elaine Odom, current executive director of Ocmulgee CASA, 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. Today, as we look back on our journey, we can say with certainty that we have upheld that vision with unwavering determination and passion,” adds Odom.

Ocmulgee CASA looks forward to the next 25 years and serving as the voice for abused and neglected children experiencing foster care.