National County Government Month Department Spotlight- CASA

CASA is a program designed to advance the well-being of children in dependency court proceedings. The program is centered around best-interest advocacy and individualization. The focus on one child, one case, allows volunteers ample time to gather information by talking to the child, family, and foster family. Information is relayed to the Judge, to aid in making the optimal decision for the child.

As of April 2023, the program has 20 volunteer advocates able to serve the 30 children with active cases.

CASA is recruiting caring individuals to serve as volunteer advocates. There is no typical volunteer. Current volunteers vary in age, background, and occupation. This year, CASA intends to train additional advocates to ensure that every child who is eligible receives an advocate.

Applicants are rigorously screened and trained by their local program. Prior to accepting a case, each volunteer is required to receive more than 30 hours of training, with an additional 12 hours of continued education annually.

The next round of training is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2023. Sessions will occur twice a week, in the evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom, and will conclude May 25, 2023.

To learn more about volunteer eligibility or to apply to be a CASA volunteer advocate, contact Dawn Allison at dmallison@pikepa.org or 570-296-9827.