Sacramento Court Appointed Special Advocates
#1
Posted 16 February 2011 - 10:38 AM
So many of the youth in foster care are bounced from home to home, from school to school, and from social worker to social worker (my youth had 17 workers in four years!). Social Workers are bogged down with cases and have precious few minutes to connect with their caseload. Needs frequently go unnoticed and services often fall through the cracks. We as a society pull children from their homes and often fail them miserably in the system. The CASA is often the only consistent adult in a child's life; as the child is moved from situation to situation the CASA continues serving that child by taking the child on outings, assessing his/her situation, talking with the child's service providers (foster parent, social worker, attorney, teachers, therapist, etc.), identifying needs, and pushing the process to make things happen, including advocating in court for services.
The more involved I get the more I appreciate the delicate and critical role played by the CASA. But only a minority of children in the foster care system have CASAs. The need for more volunteers is HUGE and the need for funding to train and supervise those CASAs HUGE. Approximately 80% of Sacramento CASA's budget comes from donations and fundraising events; the more money they raise, the more CASAs they can train and supervise, the more youth who can benefit from support and advocasy.
I am once again raising money for Sacramento CASA as a "virtual" walker through the Walk 'N Rock fundraising event (I am still having trouble with my foot or I'd participate in person!). I hope you will consider this organization worthy of your donation and no donation is too small to make a difference.
To make a donation to my Walk 'N Rock effort:
Go to http://walknrock.org/
Click on "Sponsor Participant"
Type in my name: Debra Boogaard
Click on "Debra Boogaard" (which will be highlighted in blue) to get to my donations page.
Thank you for considering this request. And if you have any questions about being a CASA, please don't hesitate to ask me or contact Sacramento CASA at (916) 875-6460.
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#2
Posted 17 February 2011 - 07:09 PM
Come on Myfolsomites, let's help Debra meet/exceed her goal.
#3
Posted 17 February 2011 - 08:03 PM
Bump for visibility.
Come on Myfolsomites, let's help Debra meet/exceed her goal.
Thank you, Bill, and thank you for your support. You're an angel.
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#4
Posted 21 February 2011 - 05:50 PM
* There are more than 500,000 children and youth in foster care in the U.S.; approximately 20,000 youth “age out” or emancipate from foster care each year.
* 100,000 foster youth live in California.
* In California, 65% of youth leaving foster care do so without a place to live.
* Up to 50% of former foster/probation youth become homeless within the first 18 months of emancipation.
* Twenty seven percent (27%) of the homeless population spent time in foster care.
* Fifty-eight percent (58%) of all young adults accessing federally funded youth shelters in 1997 had previously been in foster care.
* Less than half of former foster youth are employed 2.5-4 years after leaving foster care, and only 38% have maintained employment for at least one year.
* Youth in foster care are 44% less likely to graduate from high school and after emancipation, 40 – 50 percent never complete high school.
* Girls in foster care are six times more likely to give birth before the age of 21 than the general population.
* Sixty percent (60%) of women who emancipate from foster care become parents within 2.5-4 years after exiting care.
* Parents with a history of foster care are almost twice as likely as parents with no such history to see their own children placed in foster care or become homeless.
Clearly the foster care system has failed to effectively prepare youth in its care for life after foster care. The role a CASA plays in the life of a youth preparing for emancipation is to provide information, expose the youth to services, and spearhead processes to make a smooth transition to education, training, employment and/or housing options. The more funding CASA has, the more CASAs it can train, thus providing a critical support function for more youth.
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#5
Posted 23 February 2011 - 02:12 PM
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#6
Posted 01 March 2011 - 01:33 PM
In 2006, the US Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit of the National CASA Association, as required by Congress.
Following are highlights of the findings.
1. Children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care, defined as more than 3 years in care: 13.3% for CASA cases versus 27.0% of all children in foster care.
2. When a CASA volunteer was involved, both children and their parents were ordered by the courts to receive more services. The audit concluded that this was an indication that “CASA is effective in identifying the needs of children and parents.”
3. Cases involving a CASA volunteer are more likely to be permanently closed than cases where a CASA volunteer is not involved. The statistics vary from only 1.4% of children with a CASA volunteer reentering the CWS (CASA Data Request) to 9% of CASA children reentering the CWS (Youngclarke Review). This is in contrast to 16% for children not served by a volunteer.
4. Children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to be adopted and less likely to be reunified with their parents than children not assigned a CASA volunteer. The audit explains this finding as the result of CASA volunteers serving on typically the most serious cases of maltreatment and therefore cases where children are less likely to be reunified with their parents.
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Additional Studies Document Results of CASA Volunteer Advocacy
Like our volunteer advocates, the National CASA Association and our local programs strive for fact-based decision-making. Below is a summary of conclusive results from a 2004 study conducted by Caliber Associates (170 KB) and other CASA studies selected by researchers with the University of California, San Francisco Fresno Medical Education program for their high methodological quality.
Notable conclusive results from these studies include the following (numbers refer to studies referenced after results):
* CASA volunteers spend most of their volunteer time in contact with a child. (1)
* CASA volunteers spend significantly more time in contact with a child than a paid guardian ad litem. (2)
* CASA volunteers are far more likely than paid attorneys to file written reports. (3, 4, 5)
* CASA volunteers are highly effective in getting their recommendations accepted in court. In four out of five cases, all or almost all CASA volunteer recommendations are accepted. (1)
* When a CASA volunteer is assigned, a higher number of services are ordered for children and families. (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9)
* A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to be adopted. (8, 9, 10, 11)
* A child with a CASA volunteer is as likely to be reunified with their birth parent as a child without a CASA volunteer. (3, 9, 11)
* A child with a CASA volunteer is less likely to reenter the child welfare system. The proportion of reentries is consistently reduced by half. (8, 11, 12)
References
1. Caliber Associates, National CASA Association Evaluation Project, Caliber Associates; Fairfax, Virginia, 200
2. Donald D. Duquette and Sarah H. Ramsey, “Using Lay Volunteers to Represent Children in Child Protection Court Proceedings” (Appendix C). Child Abuse and Neglect 10(3): p. 293-308, 1986.
3. Sherrie S. Aitken, Larry Condelli, and Tom Kelly, Final Report of the Validation and Effectiveness Study of Legal Representation Through Guardian Ad Litem. Report submitted to the Administration on Children Youth and Families, Department of Health and Human Services by CSR, Inc.: Washington, DC, 1993.
4. Karen C. Snyder, John D. Downing, and Jill A. Jacobson, A Report to the Ohio Children's Foundation on the Effectiveness of the CASA Program of Franklin County. The Strategy Team: Columbus, OH, 1996.
5. Victoria Weisz and Nghi Thai, “The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program: Bringing information to Child Abuse and Neglect Cases,” Child Maltreatment 8(X), 2003.
6. Larry Condelli, National Evaluation of the Impact of Guardian Ad Litem in Child Abuse and Neglect Judicial Proceedings. Report submitted to the National Center of Child Abuse and Neglect for the Administration of Children, Youth and Families by CSR, Inc.: Washington, DC, 1988.
7. Litzelfelner, “The Effectiveness of CASAs in Achieving Positive Outcomes for Children,” Child Welfare 79(2): p. 179-193, 2000.
8. John Poertner and Allan Press, “Who Best Represents the Interests of the Child in Court?” Child Welfare 69(6): p. 537-549, 1990.
9. Gene C. Siegel, et al., Arizona CASA effectiveness study. Report to the Arizona Supreme Courts, Administrative Office of the Courts, Dependent Children's Services Division by the National Center for Juvenile Justice, 2001.
10. Susan M. Profilet, et al., Guardian ad Litem Project. Child Advocates Inc., 1999.
11. Shareen Abramson, “Use of Court-Appointed Advocates to Assist in Permanency Planning for Minority Children,” Child Welfare 70(4): p. 477-487, 1991.
12. Michael Powell and Vernon Speshock, Arizona Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, Internal Assessment, 1996.
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#7
Posted 22 March 2011 - 08:54 AM
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#8
Posted 25 March 2011 - 10:13 AM
Proceeds will be divided amongst all of the nonprofits (all of which support children) participating.
The concert will be held Sunday, May 29 at Raley Field. Gates open at 7 pm for the concert. For more information, go here: http://www.raleyfiel... featuring Kiss . Tickets can be ordered through the Raley Field box office and through Ticketmaster.
My fundraising challenge for this weekend is $250. I'm sitting at $350 toward a goal of $1,508. Thank you for considering making a donation to my effort.
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#9
Posted 04 April 2011 - 09:06 AM
Read more: http://blogs.sacbee....1#ixzz1IZhz8z7N
and http://www.thelisapr...t.org/Main.html
Sacramento CASA is trying to raise money through the Walk 'N Rock event to fund the training and administration of 34 new CASAs. Abused and neglected children in the foster care system need this support and advocacy. Your consideration of making a donation to my Walk 'N Rock effort is greatly appreciated.
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#10
Posted 15 April 2011 - 09:45 AM
THANK YOU! You know who you are.
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#11
Posted 19 April 2011 - 07:37 AM
There are currently 159 children on the wait list for CASAs in Sacramento, up by 17 from just a few weeks ago.
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#12
Posted 22 April 2011 - 01:52 PM
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#13
Posted 02 May 2011 - 02:20 PM
Also, Sacramento CASA is holding an orientation on May 18 for people who want to learn more about becoming a CASA. The orientation will be held from 6 - 7 pm. For further information about attending this information session, contact Kathy 916-875-6606 or: kathy@sacramentocasa.org
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#14
Posted 03 May 2011 - 08:31 AM
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
#15
Posted 13 May 2011 - 07:02 AM
I hope you'll consider supporting Sacramento CASA through this fundraising event. Every donation helps to make a difference in the lives of children who are placed in foster homes and often bounced around the system through no fault of their own.
Tailored Resume Services
(916) 984-0855
Volunteer, Court Appointed Special Advocate for Sacramento CASA * I Am for the Child
Making a Difference in the Life of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care
http://www.sacramentocasa.org/
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. ~ Edward Everett Hale
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~ Anne Frank
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