The Exchange Club of Springfield, Ohio honored Arthur Thibeault, CASA, for his outstanding work with at-risk youth through the Clark County Juvenile Court System.
Judge Joseph Monnin
Book of Golden Deeds
Volunteer efforts are very important to our society and should not go unnoticed. The National Exchange Club’s longest running project, the Book of Golden Deeds Award, recognizes dedicated volunteers who give endless hours of their time and talents toward making their communities better places to live. Ever since the Exchange Club of Huntington, Ind., sponsored the first award in 1919, thousands of unsung heroes and heroines have been recognized. The Book of Golden Deeds Award exemplifies The National Exchange Club’s beliefs.
As a CASA volunteer for 11 years, Art advocates for the best interest of children who have child abuse/neglect cases open in Juvenile Court. Art has spent countless hours reviewing records, attending meetings, writing reports, attending court hearings, and visiting children in all types of placements – including out of state. Art is the child’s voice in court and has been the CASA for 40 children!
Art passionately believes all children deserve a safe and permanent home. This year and in 2016, Art had serious medical issues that resulted in long hospital stays. He wanted to be sure we were attending meetings in his place and that the children were still being monitored. Once released from a lengthy hospital stay, Art needed time to recover and was not allowed to drive for several weeks. His wife (who is an amazing woman herself) drove him to the CASA office to visit and touch base. Art had two Permanent Custody Trials pending – which can be very stressful. When it was suggested that he relinquish these cases, Art’s wife commented that turning in his cases would not aid in his recovery because of his passion for representing the best interests of his young clients. Art moved forward with his advocacy, with his wife driving him to meetings and appointments. He never lost focus on the children and the important role his voice plays for them, and ultimately permanent custody was granted to children services in both of his cases to allow for the children to be adopted.
Judge Joseph Monnin