CASA of Chautauqua County has been continuously monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. For the last few weeks, our organization has been diligently watching the situation as it pertains to the global spread, but more specifically, as it affects Chautauqua County residents. While the reported numbers are still minimal in our immediate community, the situation is presenting too many unknown variables.

Studies have shown that incidents of child abuse and neglect increase during times of stress and the children we serve need us now more than ever.

CASA of Chautauqua County is taking steps to help protect our staff, volunteers and stakeholders during this time of uncertainty while keeping the best interest of the children we serve our top priority.

Support for Volunteers

• Please refrain from in-person CASA-related meetings or visits with your case children. Take extra care during this time to explain to your case children why you are not able to meet. Consider finding other creative ways to maintain your connection. Draw them a picture, write them a letter, a poem or a happy song. This will assist you when you make your follow up call on your case.
• Please share the resources on this page with our families and caregivers. The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County and local funders have gone above and beyond to assure our community is aware of resources available to them.
• Inform CASA staff if you are running into roadblocks in contacting your children and together, we can find a way to overcome them.
• Reach out to your caseworkers and attorney for the child who is struggling with the new restrictions as well. Maybe a handwritten note might brighten their day.
• Continue to track your contacts and email them to volunteercasachq@gmail.com.

COVID-19 Resources

Public Service Announcements​

• Chautauqua County Crisis Response COVID-19 Resource List​

• Department of Health and Human Services-March 16, 2020

Care of Children During Crisis

Other Links

• Family Visits are an Essential Service for Youth in Foster Care
• Creating a Daily Schedule May Help Soothe Anxious Children During COVID
• Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19

• Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services
• The United Way of​​​ Southern Chautauqua County
• Center for Disease Control/Coronavirus
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Prevent Child Abuse America