A safe, permanent home isn't something a child
should only dream about.
Almost
half a million children in the United States live in foster care, meant to be
a temporary haven. They have been removed from their homes, not because they did anything
wrong, but because they've been abused or neglected. It's frightening and confusing for
these children to suddenly find themselves in the complex world of social workers, attorneys
and judges, people who have the power to decide where they will live and whether they
will go home or be freed for adoption. Sometimes, these children can spend years in foster
care, waiting for those decisions to be made. With overburdened caseloads, a social worker
may not have the time to give the thorough attention these children deserve. They may simply
not have the time to listen.
One judge had an idea to help these children find a way into safe, permanent homes more
quickly. His idea was:
CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates
Trained volunteers who would be appointed by a judge to speak up for the best interests
of a child. Now, there are approximately 52,000 CASA volunteers helping abused and
neglected children all across the country. But 3/4 of the children who need a CASA
don't have one. You can help those girls and boys have a voice in court and a chance
at a future. Become a CASA Volunteer!
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