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New NamePA CASA is now CYAN of Pennsylvania.Read the News717-713-8285team@cyanpa.org
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A historic courthouse with white columns stands under a clear blue sky.
Seen from behind, an adult and a young child walk hand in hand down a country road past a red barn.

Photos: David Guerrero on Pexels · Erika Ortiz on Pexels

Mission, Vision & History

Why we do this work, where we're headed, and how we got here.

Our Mission

CYAN (Child & Youth Advocacy Network of Pennsylvania) advances volunteer child advocacy for the health, safety, and well-being of children before the court as a result of abuse and neglect, so every child has the opportunity for permanency. We serve as a mission-driven champion, empowering, supporting, and establishing local affiliates across the Commonwealth through strategies and resources that enable child advocacy to thrive.

Our Vision

Every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania has access to the service and support of a Judicial Child Advocate.

Our History

Child advocacy by trained community volunteers began in 1977, when Seattle Judge David Soukup asked 50 community volunteers to speak up for the children in his courtroom. The idea spread across the country, and across Pennsylvania.

Our statewide organization was founded in 1998 to start, strengthen, and support local affiliates. We provide training, technical assistance, and quality improvement so local affiliates can serve children well, and we work alongside communities to bring volunteer advocacy to the counties that don't have it yet.

On October 7, 2026, after several years of thoughtful exploration by our board, PA CASA became CYAN of Pennsylvania. Our name changed; our mission did not. Each local affiliate decides for itself whether to take CYAN as its name, and we support every one of them.

Milestones

  1. 1977

    A movement begins

    A Seattle judge asks community volunteers to speak up for children in his courtroom, and the idea spreads nationwide.

  2. 1998

    A statewide home

    Pennsylvania's statewide organization is founded to start and support local programs.

  3. 2026

    A new name: CYAN

    PA CASA is now CYAN of Pennsylvania: a new name, with the same mission of an advocate for every child in dependency court.

Meet Our Staff and Board

The people who guide and support our work for Pennsylvania's children.

Meet Our Team