CASA Donation

Kristen Tim, the executive director for CASA, is pictured with Rotarian Gary DeVore, a CASA volunteer,  after he presented her a check for $2300 from the Rotary Club and from Rotary District 7280.  As explained on their website, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) are specially recruited, screened, and trained citizen-volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court proceedings within the community.  In 2013 over 21,000 children in Pennsylvania were placed in the foster care system when their home was no longer considered safe.  In McKean County alone, 128 of those children were victims to child abuse and neglect by their caretakers.  The organization attempts to provide a consistent voice or advocate for a child involved in the foster care or court system.  The CYS organization tends to be short handed and/or have turn over causing multiple caseworkers to be involved over time in a child's hearings or foster care placement proceedings.  This organization attempts to have one of sometime two volunteers who follow the child throughout their life to provide continuity and perspective on what is best for the child.  CASA is very common in larger areas but it is new to McKean County.  With the support of the current presiding judge the organization is being started here and has raised funds for the 3-year budget.  Pam Fischer Photo