SMETHPORT — Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of McKean County recently held a virtual informational session outlining requirements of becoming a CASA volunteer.

Advocate Supervisor Jessica London, interviewed Annie Wolfe, current CASA volunteer, with questions pertaining to Wolfe’s experience as a CASA. Wolfe has been a CASA volunteer for the past 3 years, completing her training in the Fall of 2017.

CASA volunteers are specially trained citizen-volunteers who are appointed by the Juvenile Dependency Court to advocate for abused and neglected children. Authorized by the Juvenile Act, the CASA serves as the eyes and ears of the Court by providing fact-based information the Judge needs in order to make informed decisions that are in the child’s best interest. Prospective volunteers must be at least 21 years of age plus undergo background checks and fingerprinting. Candidates complete a volunteer application, participate in an interview and complete 30 hours of training.

Once volunteers are successfully trained, they will be appointed to a case involved in the dependency system and will remain with that child until his or her case is permanently resolved. CASA volunteers are asked to be available for a minimum of 18 months. Some traits that make an effective CASA volunteer include being non-judgmental as well as being able to listen and communicate effectively.

During the informational session, Wolfe indicated that initially she was nervous contacting the parents of the children involved with CASA. She indicated that the parents have “actually been great and appreciative” of her assistance with their child. She also reported feeling anxious about the court report and technology involved but indicated that she “feels pretty confident being a CASA” at this point.

Prospective volunteers in the past have indicated that they were concerned about the amount of time required to be a CASA volunteer, especially if they are working full time and have a family. Wolfe indicated the most enjoyable aspect of being a CASA volunteer is “seeing positive change and growth in the child.” She indicated that she also enjoys “seeing the family come back together.” Wolfe reported that being a CASA volunteer has given her “a greater understanding of the dependency system.” She also indicated that she has “an increased awareness and compassion for kids and parents.”

If you would like to change an abused and neglected child’s story, contact CASA of McKean County at 814-568-2170 or by email at casa@mckeancountpa.org. An on-line application can also be filled out via this link: https://pa-mckean.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication/.