CASA of Midwest PA asks Lawrence County residents to volunteer for children in foster care

Kelsey Schnur, executive director of CASA of Midwest PA, told the Lawrence County Commissioners on Feb. 18 that the court-appointed special advocates program urgently needs volunteers to represent the interests of children in foster care.

CASA’s volunteers are trained to gather information from a child’s life — parents, teachers and counselors — and then make recommendations to the court, Schnur said. “CASA of Midwest or court appointed special advocates is urgently seeking compassionate community members to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect,” she said.

The program covers Clarion, Lawrence and Mercer counties; Schnur said Lawrence County currently has the largest number of children in care of the three and that the regional office in Lawrence will be her primary office Monday through Friday. Schnur said CASA provides training and support and that no prior experience is required to become a volunteer.

The commissioners entered Schnur’s remarks into the public record and noted that Judge David Acker had introduced the organization to the board and recommended providing office space at the courthouse. The board said county staff helped locate a small office near the courtroom for CASA’s use.

Schnur asked residents to visit casamidwestpa.org to register for an information session that covers the CASA program, volunteer duties, and training. She left business cards and program materials with the commissioners for distribution.

The presentation took place during the meeting’s public comment period. Commissioners present acknowledged the program’s role with county Children and Youth Services and welcomed the organization’s local presence.