A mental health organization is looking for Niagara County residents to help take care of children going through the foster care system.
Mental Health Advocates of WNY launched its Court Appointed Special Advocates program in Niagara County this past September after operating the program in Erie County for the past 15 years.
Trina Clifford, program co-director, said it is the largest in New York state, having worked with 350 children in Erie County last year. They only expanded to Niagara County once they received grant funding for this, working with the three county Family Court judges on cases.
“Now that we’re adding Niagara County, we’re increasing that number,” Clifford said. Niagara County had approximately 1,600 children in out-of-home-placement in 2024, not all of whom are in foster care.
Family Court judges assign the foster kids to the volunteers, with some of the children suffering from abuse and neglect. Program supervisor Ronnie Bell said the participating volunteers need to make sure their assigned kid’s needs are being met. They meet with the foster and biological parents, social workers, and other adults involved with their kid, staying involved until their cases are closed.
“They will meet with their kid twice a month and develop a relationship based on their kid’s needs,” Bell said. “Then they do a report back to the court.”
“Our volunteers will stay on this longer than the attorneys assigned,” Clifford said, noting that families often trust their volunteers more than social services workers.
Those interested in participating must be over 21 years of age, with no legal experience needed. Once they sign up, they have to pass a background check and take part in a 36-hour training course, with the court swearing them in after completion.
Clifford said they currently have 27 Niagara County kids assigned to CASA, with four county volunteers ready to help. She wants there to be as many volunteers as there are kids who need help.
“We are the only people on the case fighting for the child’s best interests, regardless of what that may be,” Clifford said.
Those interested can reach out through the Mental Health Associates of WNY website at www.mhawny.org or call 716-886-1242.