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Why We Help?

Every child deserves a safe, loving, and permanent home. Yet, the reality for many children is far from this ideal.

  • In 2012, 1,640 children lost their lives due to abuse or neglect—nearly 70% of those children were under the age of three.
  • More than 700,000 children experience abuse or neglect each year.
  • Child Protective Services received 3.4 million referrals involving the alleged maltreatment of 6.3 million children in a single year.

Children in foster care face additional challenges:

  • The average child spends 21 months in foster care and is uprooted and moved at least three times, often separated from siblings.

Since its founding in 1977, CASA for Children has been a beacon of hope, ensuring over 2,000,000 children transition into safe, permanent homes.

This is why we help—because every child deserves a chance to thrive, to feel safe, and to grow surrounded by love and stability. Together, we can make a difference.


The Impact of a CASA Volunteer

Research shows that children with a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) have significantly better outcomes compared to those without:

  • Better Permanency Outcomes: Children with a CASA are more likely to find permanent homes than those without.
  • Reduced Re-Entry into the System: More than 90% of children with CASA volunteers never re-enter the foster care system.
  • Increased Adoption Rates: They are more likely to be adopted instead of lingering in long-term foster care.
  • Academic Success: CASA children are more likely to succeed in school.
  • Permanency Planning: Children with a CASA are more likely to have a concrete plan for permanency, particularly children of color.

CASA volunteers ensure children don’t get “forgotten” in the foster care system:

  • They advocate for access to necessary services and medications.
  • They reduce the likelihood of children returning to court or re-entering the system.

In 2013, an estimated 238,000 children were served by local CASA/GAL programs, helping to stop the cycle of abuse and neglect and giving children the opportunity to thrive.

With CASA, children find hope, stability, and a brighter future.


Your Support Changes Lives

Your tax-deductible donations make it possible to train and support local volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children in court. These volunteers ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable children are heard and their best interests are prioritized.

Nationally, federal funding for CASA programs covers only a portion of the resources needed. The rest depends on the generosity of individuals like you.

With a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or Guardian ad Litem (GAL) dedicated to their case, children in the foster care system have someone in their corner—fighting for their safety, stability, and well-being.

Your contribution ensures that more children have the opportunity to thrive in a safe, loving, and permanent home. Together, we can create brighter futures for those who need it most.

 Thank you for making a difference!



Watch our 25 in 25 Campaign!


"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."

-Vincent Van Gogh

Our advocate Nick!

Why You Deserve a Vacation This Year

Summertime is the season of vacation time, and why not? It’s the season of a beautiful sky, gorgeous weather and fun holidays. Vacation is an important part of summer, and should definitely be taken advantage of. 

However, vacation can also be a pretty big hassle. It’s expensive, difficult to plan and can somehow be more stressful than your non-vacation life. Luckily, a great vacation doesn’t have to be an elaborate vacation. Today, we’ve collected six reasons why you should take a vacation this year. Whether it’s a staycation or a world trip doesn’t matter—as long as your heart is along for the ride.

 

1. Take a break.

First and foremost, you need a break. After a long winter and spring, summer is the time to kick up your shoes and throw on your shades for some relaxation. Having time to take your mind off of work, activities or even people can help you relax and recharge for when you come back. Breaks and vacations have been proven to have a positive impact on workers’ performance levels, so try it out and give yourself a much-deserved getaway.

 

2. Make fun memories.

Whether you’re traveling a few short miles or to a completely different country, a vacation is the perfect time to make fun, lasting memories with your loved ones. There’s just something about being crammed together, struggling through various challenges and discovering new environments that bonds a group of individuals together. Memories are the foundation of any relationship, and you can be sure to build strong ones by creating fun vacation memories.

 

3. Build relationships.

That being said, taking a vacation is an opportunity to build new relationships or to sustain old ones. Whether you’re with friends or family, your relationships will grow when you get away from regular life and come together over something in common. Relationships are a vital part of our lives, so why not take the time to care for yours? Go on a quick trip with your loved ones to have fun and reconnect together.

 

4. Learn something new.

Of course, vacations are also a chance to learn something new you didn’t know before. Even if you stay at home for a chance to relax, you have the opportunity to get out and do something during the day that you wouldn’t normally do. Learn about a different culture, a historic landmark or even something completely random and add it to your repertoire of fun party facts for later. When you keep learning, you keep growing.

 

5. Realign your purpose.

Vacation is also an opportunity to realign your purpose and goals for life. Take some time to yourself and think through where you are in life, and where you want to go. Find peace in the moments of vacation to be alone in the quiet and consider your dreams. When we have a chance to clear our head, you may be surprised at what you find left.

 

6. Try something fresh. 

Finally, use your vacation time to try something fresh, new or unique. Visit a restaurant or cafe for a taste of food you’ve never tried before. Go on an adventure you never thought you would do. Be a little crazy, have a little fun and enjoy a moment you’ll remember forever.

This summer, take some time to enjoy a vacation. Whether it’s three days or three weeks, at home or across the world, throw yourself into the moment and use it as an opportunity to relax, regrow and reconnect with your loved ones. 

Our Vision: Seeing Every Child in a Safe, Permanent Home

  • CASA Volunteers help change children's lives every day.

    76,756

  • Abused and neglected children had a CASA volunteer speaking up for their best interest in the last year.

    250, 323

  • Children are waiting for a volunteer empowered to find them a safe, loving, permanent home.

    452,000

  • Children in safer homes since 1977.

    2 Million

  • Ryan Dollinger
    Ryan Dollinger

    I would have been lost in foster care without my CASA volunteer.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

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