A Project of the Alabama CASA Network
THE CRISIS At any one time, more than 15,000 children in Alabama are in the court system because of neglect or abuse. Many are in foster care. A child in foster care is moved three times on average - often more. A foster child’s life is characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and fear. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children can slip through the cracks. At this time, the Alabama CASA Network can serve fewer than 10% of these children per year.
COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA) CASAs make a tremendous difference for children. A child with a CASA volunteer is: • half as likely to re-enter foster care; • substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care; • more likely to be adopted; and • more likely to do better in school, pass all courses, exhibit acceptable conduct, and remain in school. CASAs conduct an independent review of a child’s circumstances and submit formal recommendations to the court.
Alabama CASA Network seeks to provide a volunteer advocate for every abused or neglected child in Alabama to help them navigate the court and child welfare systems. GET INVOLVED • DONATE • JOIN Alabama CASA Network PO Box 2524 Opelika, AL 36803 alabamacasa.org/emmascircle 334-203-1415
CASAs interview individuals with pertinent information, such as the child, parents, family members, teachers, neighbors, and doctors and inspect all relevant documents and records. CASAs donate their time and act as the independent “eyes and ears” of the court, investigate in the field, and speak solely for the interests of the child. While a DHR caseworker may carry a caseload of 28-32, a CASA supports only 1-2 cases. A CASA brings a measure of consistency to the life of an abused or neglected child, which is otherwise characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and fear.
WHAT IS EMMA’S CIRCLE?
HOW HAS EMMA’S CIRCLE HELPED?
Emma’s Circle is a group of individuals committed to supporting the Alabama CASA Network and local children in need.
Because of the generosity of Emma’s Circle members, Alabama CASA Network has accomplished the following over the last year: • increased the number of children served significantly;
Several years ago, Alabama CASA faced critical funding cuts at every level, and the organization could not carry out its critical mission. Without funding, Alabama CASA could not recruit, train, or support enough CASAs to meet the needs of Alabama’s most vulnerable children. It is estimated that it takes $1,200 for one child to have a CASA for one year. Emma’s Circle has played a vital role in helping Alabama CASA to survive its funding crisis and diversify funding sources. Today, while the crisis is less dire, tremendous unmet need exists. Emma’s Circle aims to give hope to abused, neglected and abandoned children by advancing the Alabama CASA Network through fundraising and publicity.
Volunteer to help with Emma’s Circle or sign up to be a table captain for the 2018 luncheon. Contact us at emmascircle@alabamacasa.org for more information.
• helped new local CASA programs open their doors; • assumed operations for local CASA programs in 6 counties; • implemented a state-wide case management database; • hosted state-wide local CASA staff trainings and a state-wide conference for volunteers, staff, and stakeholders; • participated in legislative advocacy at the state and federal level; and • diversified funding which now includes significant funds that are passed through to local CASA programs. But there is still much work to be done on behalf of abused, abandoned and neglected children in the State of Alabama. Currently, only approximately 10% of children in the foster care system in our state are served.
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