CASA opens office in West Chester

WEST CHESTER » CASA Youth Advocates, Inc., an organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates who work to ensure that abused and neglected children in Delaware and Chester Counties’ child welfare systems find a safe, permanent, and nurturing home, has opened an office located on South High Street in West Chester.

CASA has served Chester County since 2015 and the opening of the office marks their continued expansion throughout the area.

“We’re thrilled to open our first Chester County office. Having our case supervisors more accessible to CASA children and volunteers in this area will make a big impact on how we serve as we continue to grow throughout the county,” said CASA Executive Director Leigh Anne McKelvey.

Program Manager Tamara Wilson will be based out of the new office, where she will run CASA’s program serving all families referred to the organization from Chester County.

Joining Tamara is Alyse Wilbanks, a newly hired case supervisor. She will oversee Chester County CASA volunteers and cases.

In 2017, CASA served 206 of Delaware and Chester counties’ vulnerable children, nearly doubling the number of cases served in the last ten years, yet that is still less than 20 percent of the children who could benefit from the support of a CASA volunteer.

“CASA volunteers have provided invaluable support to Chester County children and families involved with the child welfare system. The extra, personalized attention can make all the difference to a child in distress,” said Depedency Judge Ann Marie Wheatcraft.

An information session, where the public can learn more about volunteer opportunities with CASA, will take place on Tuesday, September 18 from 9am-10am at the West Chester office. Information sessions are held every third Tuesday of the month. Registration is encouraged: https://delcocasa.org/volunteer/informationsession-registration or call 610-565-2208.