National CASA
In 1977, a Seattle Superior Court Judge named David Soukup was concerned about making decisions on behalf of abused and neglected children without enough information. He conceived the idea of appointing community volunteers to become familiar with these childrens' parties of interest including parental guardians, caretakers, physicians, teachers and service providers. These community volunteers would speak up for the best interests of these children in court and make fact based recommendations to the Judge. He made a request for volunteers and 50 citizens responded, beginning the CASA movement.
In 1977, a Seattle Superior Court Judge named David Soukup was concerned about making decisions on behalf of abused and neglected children without enough information. He conceived the idea of appointing community volunteers to become familiar with these childrens' parties of interest including parental guardians, caretakers, physicians, teachers and service providers. These community volunteers would speak up for the best interests of these children in court and make fact based recommendations to the Judge. He made a request for volunteers and 50 citizens responded, beginning the CASA movement.
CASA of Chautauqua County
In 2002, Family Court Judge, the Honorable Judith S. Claire attended a judicial conference where she heard about Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). She returned home and reached out to a number of human service agencies in an effort to get a CASA program organized in Chautauqua County. In October 2002, a call was made to the community to attend a meeting at the Supreme Court courtroom in Mayville, NY in order to discuss ways of establishing a CASA program in Chautauqua County. A standing room only crowd showed up to learn more about Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Nearly 100 interested parties attended including Assemblywoman Cathy Young, County Executive Mark Thomas, local Judges, attorneys, health care professionals, teachers, parents and local residents. From this group, a 28 member planning committee was formed.
On January 17, 2003, the mission was finalized as stating: CASA of Chautauqua County, an independent not-for-profit organization, trains and supports approved volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected youth in the courts in an effort to find them safe and permanent homes. CASA of Chautauqua County became their own 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization.
The first class of CASA volunteers was trained in November and December of 2003 and was sworn in on February 2, 2004. Four of the advocate volunteers accepted cases and began advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children.
In 2002, Family Court Judge, the Honorable Judith S. Claire attended a judicial conference where she heard about Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). She returned home and reached out to a number of human service agencies in an effort to get a CASA program organized in Chautauqua County. In October 2002, a call was made to the community to attend a meeting at the Supreme Court courtroom in Mayville, NY in order to discuss ways of establishing a CASA program in Chautauqua County. A standing room only crowd showed up to learn more about Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. Nearly 100 interested parties attended including Assemblywoman Cathy Young, County Executive Mark Thomas, local Judges, attorneys, health care professionals, teachers, parents and local residents. From this group, a 28 member planning committee was formed.
On January 17, 2003, the mission was finalized as stating: CASA of Chautauqua County, an independent not-for-profit organization, trains and supports approved volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected youth in the courts in an effort to find them safe and permanent homes. CASA of Chautauqua County became their own 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization.
The first class of CASA volunteers was trained in November and December of 2003 and was sworn in on February 2, 2004. Four of the advocate volunteers accepted cases and began advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children.
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CASA of Chautauqua County, Inc.
Executive Director: 716-753-4123 Fund Development: 716-753-4132 Fax: 716-753-4177 2 Academy Street, Suite 5 Mayville, NY 14757 |
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a United Way Community Partner
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