HISTORY

The CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program began in Seattle, Washington in 1977 in response to the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act that declares "every child has a right to be heard and has a right to a safe, permanent place to live and thrive." In 1982, the National CASA Association, Inc. was formed as the umbrella agency for the many programs that were being developed all over the country. Currently more than 900 CASA offices are in operation.

In 1993, having been invited by Judges Herbert B. Ray and Joseph P. Hester, Jr. to open an office in Broome County, the first class of 8 advocates was trained and sworn in. Each year since then advocates have completed training and presently over 30 advocates serve the Broome and Tioga county judges.

Since the inception of the Broome-Tioga Voices for Children/CASA Program, highly trained advocates continue to do what they can to make the lives of the children they represent brighter and better. They continue to ask questions, challenge systems and take their roles seriously as they use their training and skills to mend the lives of abused and neglected children.