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Pike County designates CASA recognition day; program leaders seek more volunteers
Summary
Commissioners designated July 15, 2026, as a day to recognize Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Local volunteers and the dependency court judge described the program's growth, training requirements and the need for more volunteers to serve children in dependency court.
The Pike County Board of Commissioners read a resolution on July 15 recognizing Pennsylvania CASA and designated the date as a day to honor local CASA volunteers.
A CASA representative and the dependency court judge thanked volunteers and described local program achievements since the county launched CASA in 2022: more than 4,700 volunteer hours logged and work with dozens of families and children in the county. Speakers outlined the training pathway (about 30 hours of initial training plus court observation, with 12 continuing education credits required annually) and said the program accommodates different schedules with in‑person, Zoom and one‑on‑one training options.
The dependency court judge said CASA provides ‘an extra set of eyes’ for vulnerable children and emphasized the value of a neutral, community‑based advocate who can review medical and educational records and speak to the court on a child's behalf. County leaders encouraged residents who have time and interest to apply as volunteers; CASA staff said they are opening a local fund to accept donations in partnership with Greater Pike to support volunteer recruitment and training.
The board’s proclamation recited state‑level CASA statistics and acknowledged local volunteer contributions; commissioners thanked volunteers in the room.
