CASA - Advocates for Kids is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) located in Helena, Montana. The program provides trained volunteers who serve as advocates for abused, neglected and abandoned children. Since CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) began in October, 1998, this organization has set an amazing record: CASA - Advocates for Kids has been able to meet all the demands made by the First Judicial District Court - a volunteer for every child in need. The organization is guided by a Board of Directors, which sets policy for the program.
Children with CASA volunteers benefit in many ways. They are more likely to be placed in safe, permanent homes; more likely to receive better services; and less likely to encounter numerous placement changes. The National CASA Association estimates that 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% of CASA cases versus 27% of all children in foster care.
CASA helps "permanently close" cases involving abused and neglected children. In other words, children served by CASA volunteers are less likely to reenter the child welfare system. Only 9% of CASA children compared to 16% of all others will end up back in the system after a case is closed.
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