What is a CASA?
A CASA is a very special volunteer. They have been carefully screened and thoroughly trained in courtroom procedures, social service systems and the special needs of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Once appointed to a case by the juvenile court, they provide a direct service for the children they represent by investigating and monitoring home environments and school situations and making recommendations to the court in the best interests of the child. Perhaps more importantly, CASA volunteers build personal and trusting relationships with their children. They are the caring adult that every child deserves—the adult who listens, believes in them, cares about them, doesn’t give up on them and speaks for them in court and while they are in the foster care system—until they are placed in a safe and permanent home.
Why is CASA needed?
During the fiscal year 2007 there were 167 children in Children's Division custody in Franklin County. Currently, Franklin County children's division workers have caseloads averaging 18 cases. Guardian ad Litem attorneys carry caseloads of over 75 children. Children in foster care move an average of 3 times while in care for 22 months. The presence a consistent and concerned adult-a CASA-in the lives of these children is often the difference between their hope for the future and a hopeless future.
Who does it affect?
Child abuse and neglect affects everyone. Abused and neglected children often end up with serious long-term consequences that impact them, their families and society for lifetimes, if not generations. Studies show that if these children do not get the support they need, they are 25 percent more likely to experience problems such as teen pregnancy, low academic achievement, drug use, and mental health problems; 59 percent more likely to become juvenile delinquents; and 30 percent more likely to become violent criminals as adults. (National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect) Ultimately, due to related costs for tax-supported public services such as health care, human services, and education, child abuse and neglect also impacts Franklin County citizens and businesses.
Why is a CASA the BEST solution?
Every child deserves a safe, permanent and loving home. It’s been documented that children with a CASA spend less time in the court and foster care system, do better in school and have a better chance of finding permanent homes. Our goal at Franklin County CASA, Inc. is to provide a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate for every abused and neglected child in Franklin County who needs one.
Just as we as parents advocate for the best for our children, a CASA advocates for the best for the children they serve. A CASA volunteer is the voice—the “squeaky wheel”—to which the court, schools and social services respond. They are the “bridge” between institutions and individuals charged with caring for the child’s welfare. In the words of one former CASA child, “To give a child a voice is to give them hope, and to give them hope is to give them the world.”
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Benefits to Children/Youth |
Benefits to the Community |
Benefits to CASA Volunteers |
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Children are given the opportunity to voice what they want or need.
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CASA provides education to the community members about child abuse awareness, prevention and treatment. |
CASA’s have the opportunity to provide stability and hope to children who are confused, angry, hurt, or fearful and don’t believe anyone cares. |
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Children are given an adult they can count on—someone who will be their friend, listen to them, believe in them, care about them and never give up on them. |
CASA’s prevent children from getting lost in the court/child protection systems or being placed in unsafe home environments. |
CASA’s have the opportunity to be a positive adult role model and champion for abused or neglected children who may no longer believe adults are trustworthy. |
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Children’s best interests are promoted and voiced by a CASA when conflict exists between involved parties in the foster care system. |
Children with a CASA are less likely to experience problems that impact the community such as teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, poor school performance, drug use, mental health problems and suicide |
CASA’s have an opportunity to meet new people in the community who share a passion for helping children thrive. |
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Children with a CASA spend less time in the court and foster care system. They also have a better chance of finding permanent homes and establishing continuity in their school plans. |
The numbers of Franklin County children that experience repeat child abuse or neglect will decrease. |
CASA’s have the opportunity to learn more about their community and receive training in pluralism, cultural sensitivity, the culture of poverty and understanding and coping with children. |
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Children that are particularly vulnerable or involved in complex, difficult cases, have another set of eyes and ears to help them get needed services. |
The direct costs of child abuse impacting the health care, mental health, child welfare, educational, legal and correctional systems will be reduced. |
. CASA’s have an opportunity to change a life forever |
