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7:39 PM, Sun 20 May |
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| Latest News |
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03 September, 2009
National CASA Association launches new foster youth program with the support of the Wal-Mart Foundation
To help address the unique challenges faced by older foster youth, the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association has developed a new program for its national network of nearly 70,000 volunteer child advocates, titled Fostering Futures. The Walmart Foundation has recognized the value of Fostering Futures with a $1.6 million grant to develop and launch the program in 2009. Funding from the Walmart Foundation allows National CASA to support local CASA and GAL program efforts to recruit, train and retain volunteers to work with older youth.
Each year, an estimated 25,000 young people between the ages of 18 to 21 are legally required to emancipate – or age out – of the foster care system. Aging out of foster care without a life plan or preparation puts these vulnerable youths at great risk. These risks include homelessness, unemployment, substance abuse, criminal involvement and mental health issues.
Youth older than age 13 are far less likely to be adopted and more likely to age out of the foster care system with little or no adult support. Fostering Futures will engage CASA and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteers as advocates for and advisors to foster youth ages 13 – 21, with the goal of helping them develop specific transition plans, identify supportive adult connections, and achieve positive outcomes once they transition out of foster care.
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22 August, 2009
National CASA Association aims to eliminate the foster care stigma
When Americans are asked about the kids in the foster care system, a national online Harris Poll, commissioned by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, found that 83 percent of adults know little or nothing about the experiences of children in foster care, and nearly half (42 percent) know nothing at all about these children. When adults do think of children in foster care, only a minority (11 percent) cited positive impressions about these children and the foster care system that serves them. Most often, adults picture foster children as poorly treated, facing a hard life and in need of sympathy; 46 percent of knowledgeable adults believe these youth in foster care face unsuccessful futures.
However, when you talk to the youths themselves, you see an entirely different picture. A national focus group study of 50 current and former foster youth, also commissioned by the National CASA Association, found these youth see themselves as uniquely empowered by overcoming adversity, determined not to repeat the mistakes of their birth parents and optimistic about their futures. “Yes, I have been through a lot of hell and high water, but because of that I am a stronger person. I’m still standing,” said a male Dallas foster youth who participated in the study.
Despite the lack of awareness by the general population of the foster care system, 87 percent agree that foster care should be a national priority. Furthermore, 73 percent of adults believe in their potential to positively influence the lives of foster children. “These are people we – and our foster youth – so desperately need,” said National CASA CEO Michael Piraino. “We know that when a CASA volunteer is involved, children are 95 percent less likely to re-enter the foster care system. There are people out there that are willing to help, they just don’t know how.” When asked what foster children want they say it’s simple – “we just want someone to be there to listen. We trust people who are willing to listen to us.” |
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12 August, 2009
2010 National CASA Conference
The National CASA Annual Conference provides a unique opportunity to join leading consultants, legal and social service professionals as well as representatives from the entire CASA/GAL network. Through education, training and networking opportunities, attendees discover new ideas and solutions to fortify us as we carry out our service to abused and neglected children. Who should come to National CASA's multi-disciplinary conference? As one CASA volunteer recently said of people she has encountered in her work, “People who believe that kids count.” The 2010 National CASA Conference will be held April 16-19, 2010, in Atlanta, GA.
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