THE CASA MODEL
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for a child's best interests. They stay with the child until their case is closed and they reach a safe, permanent home. Volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators and others to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make potentially life-changing decisions for each child.
According to data gathered by the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT Project and reported by the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children there were an average of 639 children in Berks County foster care system each year for the past five years.
The chart below shows the raw numbers of children over the past five years. Actual numbers may be higher as these statistics are based on the number of children in Berks foster care on September 30th of each year.
Please look at the children who are in the yellow band at the bottom of the above chart. Three or more placements over a year to two-year time period for these children.
How many different adults made breakfast for them or put them to bed at night?
How many different schools did they attend?
Did they learn anything in those years or were they too confused and traumatized by the various changes to engage in school?
Who was watching to ensure they were reading at grade level and absorbing math concepts?
What about medical needs?
Was someone watching to see if their vision changed?
What if a child suffered from headaches or stomach issues?
Who was watching closely to see if it was due to food allergies?
The Power of a Caring Adult
Children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect are among the most vulnerable populations in America. A child in foster care may have faced physical, psychological or emotional trauma and years of uncertainty as they wait to go home, be adopted or simply see what happens next. All that chaos has long-term effects.
Young people who have spent time in foster care are more likely to face incarceration, homelessness and unemployment. They are less likely to graduate high school and far more likely to be victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
Having a caring, consistent adult to listen and put a child's best interests before all others can make the difference. CASA volunteers are there to change lives at the most challenging time in a child's life, and they do.
Multiple studies have shown that children who have experienced abuse or neglect fare better with a CASA volunteer by their side.
Reach A Permanent Home
Our volunteers get to know the child - they listen; they talk to the people in the child's life to find out what they need to heal and thrive; they make sure the child is safe; and they help the child reach a safe, permanent home.
We know children do best when they can safely remain with their parents or with other family members. CASA volunteers work with experts and service providers to identify and recommend services aimed at keeping families intact or returning children safely to family members.
When that is not possible, advocates work to help the child reach another safe and stable forever home.
Helping Children As They Grow
Children's well-being includes the characteristics and skills that enable them to understand and navigate the world in a healthy, positive way. Well-being is related to children's physical health and their social, behavioral and emotional functioning.
CASA Volunteers
Support young children's development
Enable school-aged children to succeed
Help older youth prepare for independence