Millersville University of Pennsylvania social work department professors, Karen Rice and Dr. Heather Girvin, have received a 2009 National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association New Program Development Grant for $40,000.
 
The grant will provide funds to hire an executive director, who will train and support community volunteers in Lancaster County to become the voice of children in the pubic child welfare system. The grant also gives the chapter an opportunity to be renewed for another $40,000 at the end of the year.
 
As CASA board members, Rice and Girvin are already conducting focus groups with   judges, attorneys, caseworkers, and families and children gathering data that will inform the design and implementation of the CASA program. Once the program is implemented, they will be evaluating outcomes to determine its impact.
 
 “This is a significant contribution that our faculty is making to the community and its families and children,” notes Dr. Kathryn Gregoire, chair of social work.  “The efforts of the Lancaster County Court and Children and Youth Agency laid the foundation for this collaborative effort. We are very pleased to be a part of such an important endeavor.”
  

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