About CASA

Our mission:

CASA of Lancaster County provides court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children with a belief that all children deserve safe, nurturing, and permanent homes.

Our vision:

CASA of Lancaster County will provide a CASA volunteer advocate to every single child that needs one in Lancaster County.

Our history:

Judge Louis J. Farina appointed Judge Leslie Gorbey to spearhead a Steering Committee tasked with bringing a CASA program to Lancaster County. Judge Gorbey worked closely with community leaders, legal professionals, and child welfare professionals to found the lay the necessary groundwork and found the very first Board of Directors. CASA's Board of Directors began meeting in 2007 and hired the program's first staff member in 2009. Since then, CASA has held 5 CASA volunteer pre-service trainings and trained over 50 volunteers.

CASA volunteer advocates have worked with over 70 children in our county, helping 19 children live with their "forever families" and leave the uncertainty of the child welfare system. CASA volunteers believe that every child should live and grow up in a home free of abuse and neglect, CASA volunteers believe that this is a fundamental human right and they fight for it.

Our frequently asked questions about our advocates:

What is a CASA Volunteer Advocate?

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen (21 years or older) who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child in court. The children that CASA volunteer advocate for have been abused and neglected and placed in to the foster care system. CASA volunteers work to help ensure a safe and permanent home for the child as quickly as possible. A CASA Volunteer Advocates is an extension of the “eyes and ears” of the judge.

What specialty or expertise do CASA Volunteer Advocates have to have?

CASA Volunteer Advocates come from all walks of life with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Some are retired educators or social workers, some volunteer while working full time or going to school. Regardless of their backgrounds or training, all of them simply want to help the most vulnerable members of their community.

What training does a CASA Volunteer Advocate receive?

After completing an interview and the necessary background clearances, CASA volunteers must complete a comprehensive 30 hour training. The training curriculum is designed by the National CASA Association and is facilitated by CASA staff and includes presentations from Children and Youth workers, attorneys and service providers.

How does a CASA Volunteer Advocate investigate a case?

In order to prepare the court reports, CASA volunteers review all records pertaining to the case. Most importantly though, the CASA volunteer speaks with the child and others involved in the child’s life such as biological parents, foster parents, social workers, teachers, doctors and therapists.

Do CASA Volunteer Advocates make a difference?

Studies show that if a child has a CASA volunteer they are more likely to receive needed services, such as health care, therapy, and education. These children are more likely to be adopted, rather than languish in long-term care.