Everyone needs an advocate – including and especially children in foster care.
Earlier this year, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lancaster County announced plans to expand into Lebanon County. On Tuesday, May 31, the latest class of CASAs was sworn in, including three who will focus on Lebanon County.
“These three volunteers are able to advocate for about six children in foster care in Lebanon County,” said Jessica Laspino, executive director for the group, which will now call itself CASA of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
“We are extremely excited to have these three volunteers as the first cohort of CASAs in Lebanon,” Laspino said. “Our CASAs are amazing people who see the need to step up and speak up on behalf of a child, and to champion that child’s best interest during their time in the foster care system until they achieve a safe and permanent home.”
These citizen volunteers are trained to advocate for the best interest of children as they navigate the foster care system. They serve at the bequest of the court system, providing factual reports for hearings and at times additional testimony, and overall seek to be a compassionate and consistent adult in the life of their designated children.
“We are excited to see these new volunteers get started, and we are also in the process of recruiting for our next training class,” said Laura Wilcox, director of operations. “We are always looking for new volunteers.”
An in-person informational session will be held Wednesday, June 29, at 5:30 p.m. in CASA’s Lancaster office, at 120 N. Shippen St. For more information about volunteering with CASA, visit their website.
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