Happy CASAversary to Jim Merlo!

Thespian, fitness enthusiast, always stylish with his love of bow ties, white shirts, and the self-deprecating humor and charm of a native-born North Carolinian.  All of these attributes describe our most tenured and beloved team member!

But in his 18 years as CASA of St. Louis’ longest serving staff member, Senior Guardian Ad Litem Jim Merlo has always preferred to be working directly for those affected by abuse and neglect.  One of two attorneys at CASA, Jim prefers a courtroom to an office.  

The statistics show the impact of Jim’s choice:  Over his 18-year tenure, he has advocated for more than 850 abused and neglected children in the foster care system.  He has supervised more than 170 volunteers.

In the past six years, Jim’s legal support has led to placing more than 150 children in safe, permanent homes and to reunifying 30 children with their family members. He has also been a critical part of the adoptions of more than 60 children.

Jim Merlo came to CASA in 2002 after earning his law degree and working as an attorney for the state of Missouri in the Department of Social Services.

“Jim knows the process from both sides and is well known and beloved both here at CASA and throughout the city family court,” said Cheryl Latham, newly named Chief Program Officer of CASA of St. Louis. Cheryl, who has worked in child welfare for more than 25 years and at CASA since 2007.

Cheryl first met Jim in 2005 when she worked as a foster care out-of-home case manager providing support to families involved in St. Louis’ child welfare system.  “I recognized then what an asset Jim was. He cared about the wellbeing of the children he represented. He was responsive and always thoughtful in considering which way to go.  His deep institutional knowledge and strong legal mind have been so critical in a world where there is significant staff turnover in state agencies and where public agency workers carry, high caseloads.” 

She adds that Jim Merlo has shown amazing dedication to CASA’s mission: “He not only has a deep knowledge of the law, but he is pragmatic – and always calm. Jim is a hallway lawyer—the kind of attorney who through discussions with all sides finds common ground and often comes to an agreement before entering the courtroom.  This approach avoids acrimony and is best for swift and effective resolution of cases. He is an amazing collaborator and advisor---team members count on him for sage advice.”

She adds that Jim Merlo also faces tough situations with a remarkable ability to find the best solution for the child and the family. Cheryl recalled one typical situation: “Jim was representing a little girl whose mother had neglected her.  The mom had completed all the requirements that would lead to reunification with her daughter, but the child was with a foster family that had the resources to give the child much more in terms of material comfort, while the child’s own mother would likely continue to struggle financially.  Jim reunified the child with the mother in the spirit of CASA’s mission to support reunification with the family, if possible. It was a tough decision, but Jim made it by skillfully navigating through the thicket of concerns and issues.”

“This year, we celebrate Jim Merlo as the anchor of CASA—he has for so long helped CASA pursue its mission of ensuring that through all the uncertainties, an abused or neglected child’s voice is heard. The need for volunteers, donors, and supporters is critical in making this a reality. But we could not do what we do without the knowledge, talent and commitment of Jim Merlo.”