CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Venango County Inc. is a powerful voice for children throughout the community. CASA's main role is to ensure children who are experiencing any form of abuse or neglect can be placed in safe and permanent homes where their most basic needs can be met and they can thrive. The program is a unique blend of private support, public need and the efforts from ten volunteers all committed to the rights of every child.

Volunteer Program Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old 
• Complete a personal face-to-face interview with a member of the CASA staff
• Undergo a criminal background investigation including fingerprinting
• Successful completion of the 30 hour pre-service training program
• Commitment of at least 18 months to the CASA program as an "Active Volunteer"
• Earn 12 hours of in-service training credit annually

CASA provides best-interest advocacy for children as reflected in these guiding principles which recognize the importance of family preservation and reunification, equity, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. (National CASA/GAL Local Program Standard 2)

We recognize the importance of family preservation and/or reunification

• It is in a child’s best interest to remain with their family of origin whenever safely possible.
• Our program acknowledges that children experience trauma when separated from their family of origin.
• If a child is removed from their family of origin, it is in the child’s best interest to be reunified with their family of origin as soon as safely possible.
• If a child is removed from their family of origin, it is in the child’s best interest to be placed with a relative as the next best option whenever safely possible.
• Strengthening families, through recommendations for services, supports, visitation and communications, is in the child’s best interest to achieve stability and/or reunification.
• Our program requires and demonstrates respect for the parents and all parties associated with the case.
• Our program ensures that information regarding the family’s strengths is incorporated into reports to the court.
• Our program ensures that information regarding the child’s wishes is incorporated into reports to the court.
• Only when a court determines a child cannot be safely reunified with their family of origin in a reasonable timeframe, is another permanent placement is in a child’s best interest.

We recognize the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion

• All children regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin (ancestry), color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability or physical challenge should be safe, have a permanent home and an opportunity to thrive.
• Our program acknowledges the existence of implicit bias and takes steps to minimize and/or eliminate implicit bias.
• Our program is committed to demonstrating an understanding of disproportionality impacting children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

We recognize the importance of collaboration

Our program cooperates and coordinates with other volunteer and public service agencies, the courts, community groups, families and individuals to:

• Improve services for individual children and their families.
• Advocate for needed change in the conditions which adversely affect the children served.

Our Mission