CASA Brochure

CASA for Children of DC Restoring hope to abused and neglected children Founded in 2002 by a former foster child and DC community members, CASA for Children of DC (CASA of DC) is a certified 501(c)(3) affiliate of the National CASA Association. CASA of DC is committed to supporting the thousands of abused and neglected children who come through the DC court each year. Our volunteers advocate for these children, helping them achieve better educational outcomes, secure the vital services they need, and find safe, permanent, loving homes. CASA of DC achieves these goals by recruiting, screening, training, and supervising volunteers from the metropolitan area to serve as powerful voices for these children. Through our volunteers, CASA of DC promotes the growth of strong children by restoring the hope that leads to healing and a successful transition to adulthood.

What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate?

How You Can Help Restore Hope to a Child

Upon completing 30 hours of rigorous training, a volunteer is sworn in as court appointed special advocate (CASA) and assigned to a child.

CASAs typically remain involved in their case from the time the judge makes the appointment until the case is closed. The CASA assesses the youth’s living environment, academic needs and his or her physical and mental health to make sure necessary services are in place. Based on this comprehensive assessment, the CASA develops a plan to ensure all of the child’s needs are fully met and in compliance with court orders.

CASAs also work to ensure coordination among the various agencies and organizations providing services to youth.

Become a CASA volunteer and contribute:

CASA Volunteers Improve Outcomes CASAs can have a profound impact on a child’s life. Studies show that the children who have a CASA at their side have: More Permanence They are substantially less likely to linger in long-term foster care.

More Safety They are highly unlikely to return to the system.

More Help Children and parents receive more services.

Commitment When you take on a case, you take responsibility for a child’s future.

Many cases settle in less than a year while others last longer. The amount of time you spend on a case will vary depending on the stage of the proceedings.

Objectivity Your role as a CASA volunteer is to represent the best interests of the child. You must be able to talk to everyone involved in a case and remain objective in your judgments and recommendations.

Communication Skills A child’s future depends on your ability to communicate well. As a CASA volunteer, you’ll need to be able to talk to a wide variety of people, from healthcare professionals to school officials to parents. You’ll need to be able to present written reports to the court and to speak in the courtroom on behalf of the child.

Visit www.casadc.us for an application or contact the CASA of DC office at (202) 887-0007 to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer.

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More Success in School They are more likely to complete all their courses and less likely to have conduct problems.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CASA of DC and the children on whose behalf we advocate depend on your generous financial and in-kind support.

More Self-Esteem The advocacy and support gives children a greater sense of control over their own lives.

Through your contribution you can take comfort that you are helping make a real difference in children’s lives. Every dollar helps children become safer and stronger and, most importantly, rediscover the hope of a bright future.

CASA of DC’s Programs

Visit www.casadc.us to make a tax deductable donation or mail your contribution to:

CASA of DC helps restore hope and healing for children and families through four major programs.

Family Drug Treatment Court In partnership with the court, CASAs work with children and their mothers who have been charged with neglect, often due to treatable substance abuse or mental health problems. CASA volunteers provide the Family Treatment Court Judge with an unbiased perspective on the families of foster children, with a focus on their level of functionality and continuing service needs.

Dual-Jacket Initiative In a dual-jacket case, CASAs advocate on behalf of a foster youth under the supervision of the child welfare system because of abuse or neglect, who has subsequently been arrested for a crime and consequently placed in the juvenile justice system. CASA volunteers enhance coordination among agencies, organizations and individuals providing services to these youths, and their recommendations are presented to the court for adjudication.

Preparing Youth for Adulthood Initiative A collaborative effort with the DC Family Court and DC Child Family Services Agency, this program was established for foster youths about to “age out” of the foster care system. CASA volunteers help them prepare for independence and enhance coordination among agencies and organizations providing services to these young adults.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth Initiative Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender foster youth in the child welfare system greatly benefit from careful pairing with a caring and supportive CASA volunteer. This program is helps foster youths navigate the court system while building a positive and healthy identity. Volunteers provide advocacy, support, information, resources, guidance and positive role-modeling.

CASA for Children of DC 919 18th Street, NW Suite 510 Washington, DC 20006 In addition to your generous financial assistance we welcome in-kind donations of professional services, including accounting, legal, marketing, advertising, public relations, tax preparation, and printing services, as well as in-store promotions or educational materials.