Community Corner
Court Appointed Special Advocates
Help a child in foster care: The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is seeking volunteers for its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. CASA uses trained volunteers - Advocates - to assist Family Court Judges in making decisions regarding placement for children who have been abused or neglected, and are in foster care or are at-risk for foster care. CASA volunteers are assigned by Family Court Judges to monitor cases and advocate for needed services and assist in identifying any barriers to accessing services including education, medical care and mental health treatment.
CASA volunteers typically work with only one or two families at a time, devoting the time and energy necessary to assist the Family Court and the child welfare system in making the best possible permanent plan for the child. Each volunteer participates in a 40 hour training program consisting of class work and court observation and MHA staff provides ongoing supervision.
CASA’s next volunteer training will take place on Thursdays, May 5 through June 9, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Jackie Boissonnault at 914-345-5900 ext. 7518 or boissonj@mhawestchester.org.