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CASA for Children and the american legion: Building a better future. A Hidden Human Rights Crisis. Too many months in foster care Too many moves Too much medication Too few connections Too little education Too much risk of criminal involvement. But There is hope….
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CASA for Children and the american legion: Building a better future
A Hidden Human Rights Crisis Too many months in foster care Too many moves Too much medication Too few connections Too little education Too much risk of criminal involvement
But There is hope… “The American Legion and CASA volunteers are living examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” -Frank D. West, Grant Co., Indiana CASA/GAL Volunteer and Legionnaire
CASA for Children is central to fulfillingsociety’s most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for a child’s right to be safe, treated with dignity, and thrive in the security of a loving family.
What is a CASA Volunteer? People from all walks of life, all ages, all ethnicities Specially trained and assigned by a judge to advocate for a child Investigate what led to the child’s removal and assess the family Understand the child’s needs and make sure they are met Request services/assessments that otherwise might not be given Study options for long-term care—from family members to adoption Make a formal report/recommendation to a judge Close the case when each child is in a safe, loving permanent home
The results are unprecedented 77,000 CASA Volunteers 1 reliable adult in a child’s life Rank CASA above lawyers on9key advocacy criteria 7.5 months off the time a child is in foster care Score higher on 9safety and success factors
So are the Obstacles 65%of the children still need a CASA volunteer We have an obligation to serve 100%of the children in the system By 2020 we intend to meet that obligation
We are close to solving this problem! In the past decade several public, private and philanthropic organizations have madeheadway in reducing the number of childrenin foster care. At the same time, CASA for Children has been increasing the number of children we can serve. Our obligation is to close this gap assoon as possible 430,000children CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE All Children are Served YEAR
shared values Children are our most precious natural resource We understand the role of the advocate We speak up for children’s interests and voice their concerns We believe every child has the right to be treated with dignity, to be safe, and to thrive in the safe embrace of a loving family
Fighting for a better future for our youth National CASA is proud to partner with The American Legion, and are honored to have them join us in our I am for the child™ movement – ensuring a safe, permanent home for ever child. Together, we can build a critical mass of support and change the lives of abused and neglected children.
Thank You IamForTheChild.org