Reaching Permanent Homes
For children, having a caring, consistent adult to put their best interests before all others’ can make all the difference. CASA volunteers help children find the road home, wherever it lies.
Children with advocates reach a permanent home faster.
In 2018, children with a CASA volunteer reached a permanent home faster, when compared with all children in out-of-home care.
Addressing the Effects of Abuse, Neglect and Other Trauma
- Our volunteers get to know the children − they listen; they talk to the people in their lives to find out what they need to heal and thrive; they make sure the children are safe; and they help the child reach a safe, permanent home.
- We know children do best when they can safely remain with their parents or with other family members. CASA volunteers work with experts and service providers to identify and recommend services aimed at keeping families intact or returning children safely to family members.
- When that is not possible, advocates work to help the child reach another safe and stable forever home.
CASA Volunteers Work With Families Of Origin And Extended Family.
- CASA volunteers are trained to understand the impact of trauma on children.
- CASA volunteers identify barriers to families’ engagement in services and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. Volunteers are trained in cultural competency. They create supportive environments for families from all walks of life.
- CASA volunteers encourage connections with extended family, when possible. These connections give children a sense of belonging and unconditional love.
CASA Volunteers Encourage Placement In Family-Like Settings.
- Youth placed in group homes don’t fare as well as those in family settings.
- In advocating for these youth, our volunteers help ensure they are not placed in group care unnecessarily or in a situation that is not good for them.
CASA Volunteers Support Stable Placements.
- Moving to placement after placement can be traumatic for children:
- CASA volunteers identify barriers to families’ engagement in services and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. Volunteers are trained in cultural competency. They create supportive environments for families from all walks of life.
- CASA volunteers encourage connections with extended family, when possible. These connections give children a sense of belonging and unconditional love.
- By recommending services to help stabilize placements, CASA volunteers reduce the chaos in children’s lives.