SMETHPORT — Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of McKean County will hold a Facebook Live-Stream informational session starting at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 18.

Individuals are invited to join the live-stream to hear current CASA Volunteers, Eddie Buggie and Jennifer Tanner, share information about their experiences as CASA volunteers.

In addition, advocate supervisor Jessica London, will present information on CASA and the process of becoming a CASA volunteer. After their presentations, there will be an opportunity for questions to be answered. To join the live-stream, visit the CASA of McKean County Facebook page.

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), volunteers receive in-depth training to advocate in court and in the community for the needs of children in foster care. Volunteers come from all walks of life and professions and have one thing in common: they care about kids. Volunteers complete 30 hours of pre-service training with the National CASA curriculum. Once they are assigned to a case, they can expect to spend an average of about 10 to 15 hours a month getting to know the child, gathering information, exploring resources to meet the child’s needs, representing the child in court and writing reports. Volunteers receive ongoing education and support from their local program as well as from the National CASA Association.

“During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that children are at a heightened risk for abuse and neglect because of being more isolated,” said Suzy Meyer-Page, executive director of CASA of McKean County. “Now more than ever, we need more CASA volunteers to meet the needs of these most vulnerable children in McKean County.”

To learn more about CASA of McKean County, visit the webpage at www.casamckean.org or the CASA of McKean County Facebook page. One can apply to become a volunteer at https://pa-mckean.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication/. Questions can be answered by calling 814-598-2170 or emailing casa@mckeancountypa.org.