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News from CASA

KIDS COUNT!

LANCASTER, PA (October 2, 2019) – CASA of Lancaster County hosts information sessions on how to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate for a child in the foster care system in Lancaster County. These sessions are free of charge and open to the public. RSVP is required. Contact CASA by calling (717) 208-3280 or email casa@casalancaster.org:

• Monday, 10/7/2019, 6PM-7PM - Passenger Coffee, 7 W King St, Lancaster, PA 17602
• Thursday, 11/21/2019, 12PM-1PM - Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd,
750 Greenfield Road, Lancaster, PA 17601
• Wednesday, 12/11/2019, 12PM-1PM - Willow Street Mennonite Church,
399 E Penn Grant Road, Lancaster, PA 17584

Foster care is meant to be a temporary intervention to assure the safety and well-being of a child. Every time a child moves, the trauma caused by separation and lack of continuity grows. Minimizing the time a child spends in foster care without compromising safety is key to healthy child development. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are empowered by the courts to help ensure children find safe, nurturing, and permanent homes. CASAs work one-on-one with a child or group of siblings. They get to know the children, gather important information from reports and professionals, and advocate for the children’s best interests related to their education, health, living arrangements, and general well-being. “The number of children coming into care in Lancaster County continues to grow and we aim to give these children a voice.” said Jessica Laspino, Executive Director. “Every child deserves the support of a caring, consistent, trained adult to help them find a safe, loving home where they can heal and thrive.”

No prior experience is necessary—CASA will provide all the training needed, plus a dedicated volunteer supervisor to offer resources and support throughout the volunteers’ service. With just 12-15 hours a month, CASAs can give bring comfort, understanding, and hope to children who deserve a better outcome.

CASA of Lancaster Country provides trained and compassionate court-appointed volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in Lancaster County’s foster care system. CASA of Lancaster County provides judges with critical information needed to rule in the best interest of the child and to help facilitate a safe, loving, and permanent home.