On September 15, 2026, a former staff member of Polk-Haralson CASA pled guilty to an embezzlement charge in the Northern District Federal Court. Polk-Haralson CASA’s board and leadership alerted and have worked in cooperation with local, state, and federal law enforcement throughout the process, providing financial records and information in pursuit of accountability and restitution.
Polk-Haralson CASA is an independent, local CASA program that serves children experiencing foster care in Polk and Haralson counties and has remained focused and dedicated to providing consistent, compassionate advocacy for the children it serves. Georgia CASA continues to provide guidance and support to Polk-Haralson CASA as it moves forward.
Georgia CASA holds the values of collaboration, compassion, and accountability as central to this work. Across the state, there are 47 local CASA affiliates who together reach every county in Georgia. In total, there are more than 2,500 CASA volunteers, 500 board members, and 250 staff active in Georgia advocating for more than 7,000 children in state custody annually.
“Accountability is a core value when you have been given the responsibility to manage funds and provide critical services for families,” said Jen King, executive director of Georgia CASA. “We applaud the diligence of Polk-Haralson CASA’s leadership and board in bringing this matter to the attention of law enforcement knowing that this would be an arduous process. Their commitment has remained on supporting volunteers in providing individualized advocacy for children and families without interruption.”