SMETHPORT — Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of McKean County will hold an informational session from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at Hamlin Memorial Library.

Learn how to make a difference in the life of an abused or neglected child in McKean County. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), volunteers receive in-depth training to advocate in court and 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 get to know the child they represent by talking with everyone in that child’s life: family members, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They use the information they gather to inform the court of the child’s needs and what will be in the best interest of the child,” explained Suzy Meyer-Page, executive director of CASA of McKean County.

Volunteers complete a 30-hour pre-service training. Once they are assigned to a case, depending on the case needs, they can expect to spend up to 10 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 court reports. Volunteers receive ongoing education and support from their local program and the National CASA/GAL Association.

CASA of McKean County is always looking for volunteers. Reach out to the program at casa@mckeancountypa.org or (814) 568-2170 if you are unable to attend the informational session but are still interested in volunteering.

Learn more about CASA online at casamckean.org, or on Facebook or Instagram.

The website has fillable volunteer applications for those interested in applying.

Meyer-Page said, “Become the voice of the most vulnerable children in McKean County by becoming a CASA volunteer advocate.”