SMETHPORT — Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of McKean County is seeking community members willing to advocate for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Plans are being developed for the next training class.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteer advocates 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 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.

“If you have ever thought about being a volunteer for vulnerable children, CASA of McKean County is the volunteer experience for you,” according to Suzy Meyer-Page, executive director at CASA of McKean County.

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.

Studies show that children who have a CASA volunteer reap significant benefits: They spend less time in foster care, have fewer out-of-home placements and perform better in school. They’re also more likely to find a safe and permanent home and receive the necessary services they need to succeed. More than 50 percent of children with CASA volunteers never re-enter the child welfare system.

“Being a CASA volunteer assures that abused and neglected children have a voice in the court system with the goal of a safe and permanent home for each child,” Meyer-Page noted.

“Consider adding CASA volunteering to your routine. The vulnerable children waiting to get a CASA assigned to their case will thank you.”

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can contact CASA of McKean County at (814) 568-2170 or by email at casa@mckeancountypa.org. Applications are available online. Check out the program on their website, casamckean.org.