Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a national program of trained, dedicated volunteers assigned by Family Court Judges to advocate for abused and neglected children. MHAWNY is home to CASA of Erie County, which recruits, trains and supports local CASA volunteers. CASA volunteers are an independent voice. Their mission is to make sure that the child’s needs are met and that they don’t fall through the cracks. CASA volunteers in Erie County act as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Judges by visiting the children monthly, speaking to caregivers, teachers and medical and mental health providers, and then providing that information to the Erie County Family Court Judges.