MAYVILLE – Court Appointed Special Advocates of Chautauqua County will begin its fall volunteer training Wednesday, Oct. 1, continuing on Wednesdays in October and November.

Training will be held in the Sid Compton Room located in the Chautauqua Municipal Building in Mayville. To enroll, call CASA at 716-753-4123 to enroll.

Each year in Chautauqua County, hundreds of children are abused, neglected or abandoned by their families. Many of them are removed from their homes and placed in foster care or residential facilities. Their cases are brought before a Family Court Judge to decide on matters involving custody, permanency and more. CASA volunteers are instrumental during this crucial time. The CASA volunteer ensures these underserved children are not looked over in the overburdened child legal and welfare systems. They make sure the child’s best interests are a priority and all services are being met.

In 2024, 38 volunteers at CASA of Chautauqua County advocated for the needs of 44 abused and neglected children. CASA of Chautauqua County is in need of more volunteers to assist in advocating for children.

CASA volunteers must be 21 years of age and commit to about 8-10 hours a month on their advocacy. Pre-service training is 36 hours of classroom instruction on topics including CASA roles and responsibilities, the child welfare system, needs and development of children, trauma, mental health, poverty, professional communication, cultural competence, educational needs, permanency and more.

Classes meet weekly for a hybrid online and in-person format. Candidates must pass a criminal background clearance which includes a Criminal History Record search, State Criminal Record search and National Sex Offender Registry search. Volunteers are asked to advocate for their case until permanency occurs, which is about one year.

To learn more about CASA volunteer opportunities contact either Kathy Park, executive director at 716-753-4123 or casachautauqua@gmail.com, Laurie Winkler, case advocate supervisor at lwinklercasa@gmail.com or visit www.chautauquacasa.com.

Tax-deductible donations can be made by sending a check to CASA of Chautauqua Co., Inc. at 2 Academy Street, Suite 5, Mayville, NY 14757. CASA of Chautauqua County is a 501 (c) charitable nonprofit organization and a United Way Community Partner.