May is National Foster Care Month. For Boston CASA and the Cambridge community, it is also a call to action.
Only about 20 percent of eligible youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties currently have a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a trained, court-appointed volunteer who advocates solely for the best interests of one child in the child welfare system. The other 80 percent face a system that never stops moving, with no one constant in their corner. These are children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect, most of whom are in foster care.
Unlike mentors or service providers, CASAs are appointed by a judge and work directly within the system, advocating in court and alongside DCF to ensure each child receives the support, stability, and services they need. According to a national study, 92 percent of judges say CASAs improve outcomes for children, and children with CASAs are more likely to succeed in school, access vital services, and secure a stable, permanent home.
It is with sincere appreciation that I thank the current Cambridge CASAs. To anyone who is looking to volunteer and is not sure where to turn, Boston CASA is currently recruiting its next class of volunteers.
You can change the trajectory of a child’s life. For more information about how to become a CASA, please visit www.bostoncasa.org.
Nicole Stewart, Executive Director, Boston CASA
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Court appointed special advocates help foster children
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May is National Foster Care Month. For Boston CASA and the Cambridge community, it is also a call to action.
Only about 20 percent of eligible youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties currently have a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a trained, court-appointed volunteer who advocates solely for the best interests of one child in the child welfare system. The other 80 percent face a system that never stops moving, with no one constant in their corner. These are children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect, most of whom are in foster care.
Unlike mentors or service providers, CASAs are appointed by a judge and work directly within the system, advocating in court and alongside DCF to ensure each child receives the support, stability, and services they need. According to a national study, 92 percent of judges say CASAs improve outcomes for children, and children with CASAs are more likely to succeed in school, access vital services, and secure a stable, permanent home.
It is with sincere appreciation that I thank the current Cambridge CASAs. To anyone who is looking to volunteer and is not sure where to turn, Boston CASA is currently recruiting its next class of volunteers.
You can change the trajectory of a child’s life. For more information about how to become a CASA, please visit www.bostoncasa.org.
Nicole Stewart, Executive Director, Boston CASA
Like this:
Related Stories
A stronger
Please consider making a financial contribution to maintain, expand and improve Cambridge Day.
We are now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible.
Please consider a recurring contribution.