CASA of the Southern Tier

CASA of the Southern Tier is a non-profit agency in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties. Court appointed by a judge, our volunteers are assigned a child(ren) while they are involved with family court due to a neglect or abuse situation. The volunteers are known as CASA advocates and remain with the child as a continuous unpaid support. The advocate visits the child in each setting (school, foster care, home, visitation with parents/family). The CASA advocate also monitors court orders such as visitation, therapies, parental commitments, etc. for attendance and follow through. A court report on the current situation of the child, concerns, and recommendations are forwarded to the court/judge. Continued on Schedule OThe CASA remains an advocate and supports the child(ren) throughout the court process until permanent placement is secured. Many of these children endure the changing of foster homes, schools, and family members before they find permanency. Life in general is tough enough for children to handle without the added factor of no stability! Each case can last anywhere from 6 months to over 2 years. Well-trained and competent volunteers are the backbone of the CASA program. Each Advocate serves as a "voice for the child and the one stable person for them in a system of unknowns and new faces!This program is supported by contributions.