CASA'S IMPACT

ANSWERING A VERY SPECIAL AND COMPELLING NEED!
CASA provides a unique response on behalf of children that are:
  • at risk of not having adequate nourishment or clothing or shelter.
  • at risk of physical injury or illness or handicap without adequate medical care.
  • at risk of not being encouraged, or consoled, or nurtured by a caring and trusted adult.
  • at risk of lingering in foster care, wanting for a permanent, stable and secure home.

CHILDREN SERVED.
  • Since independent formation in 2004, CASA NETN has advocated for nearly 650 children.
  • In Fiscal Year 2007 (July06-June07) our Volunteer Advocates served on behalf of 150 children while working 100 juvenile cases.
  • In FY 2008 (July07-June08) we served 229 children at risk while increasing our active Volunteer Advocates to more than 50, maximizing our capacity within current staffing constraints

WHAT OUR JUVENILE COURT JUDGES SAY:
"CASA provides an invaluable service that is the eyes and ears for the judge and the voice for the child in court.... Volunteers have helped hundreds of children in Washington County find safe and permanent homes in which they can thrive. Making decision for abused and neglected children is the hardest thing we deal with as judges in the Juvenile Court System." Judge Robert Lincoln, Washington County Juvenile Court, Dec 2007.

"Not only does CASA investigate the child's immediate environment, but they also interview neighbors, talk to school personnel and garner information wherever possible. The assistance the volunteers give the guardian ad litem and the court is invaluable...." Judge Sharon Green, Johnson City Juvenile Court (As quoted in Johnson City Press article 12-23-2007)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 2006 INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT:
Involvement of a CASA volunteer makes a substantial difference to the children they serve:
  • A higher number of necessary services are ordered for children/ families, due to the CASA's effectiveness in identifying needs.
  • Make it substantially less likely for children to remain in long term foster care.
  • Makes it more likely that a child will be adopted.
  • Children with a CASA are 50% less as likely to reenter the welfare system.