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Why do we need CASA volunteers?
The positive results achieved for children who have a CASA volunteer are more than anecdotal; they are increasingly well documented in formal studies. For example, an article published in the August, 2003 issue of the academic journal Child Maltreatment reported that CASA involvement consistently results in the following:
- Fewer placement changes
- Better access to services
- Greater likelihood of adoption and less time spent in foster care (this was particularly true of minority children)
- More accurate and detailed information provided to court
- Improved performance by other professionals involved
(“Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program: Bringing Information to Child Abuse and Neglect Cases,” p. 204-210)
Children removed from abusive homes without a CASA volunteer may languish for years in unsatisfactory care or suffer being moved repeatedly to temporary homes. As a result, they often grow up without the stable relationships and consistent parenting necessary to develop into responsible, productive adults. Society pays a steep price, both in humanitarian and economic terms, when children are failed by the people and agencies entrusted to protect them. For example, victims of child abuse and neglect are at high risk of the following:
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Dropping out of school
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Teen pregnancy
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Poverty
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Homelessness
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Drug and alcohol abuse
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Incarceration
When alienated and desperate children drift into destructive behaviors, society pays the price for incarcerating, rehabilitating, or providing public assistance to them and, in many cases, their own children.
CASA volunteers are everyday people just like you who have decided to take personal action to ensure that children receive the individualized attention they need and end up in a safe, permanent home. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or in learning about other ways you can help CASA help more children, please complete a volunteer inquiry form or contact us. |
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Saturday, September 04, 2010
