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.

Learn more and get involved.

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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!

September 8, 2025

Fun Fall Activities for You and Your Family

It’s that time of year again: the time when leaves turn bright colors and start to crunch beneath your feet, the air gets brisk and fresh and Mother Nature prepares for the cold coming months ahead. It’s fall, and it’s the most colorful season of the year!

Fall is a fun and joyous time, full of pumpkins and spooky nights and delicious food. If you’re looking to celebrate this multicolor season in style with your family, check out these fun fall adventures you need to go on this year.

1. Apple Picking

Get festive this fall and go on an apple picking adventure through an orchard. Find some yummy red apples, golden delicious or granny smiths for a variety of flavors.

2. Corn Maze

Sometimes the best way to come together is to get lost together. This fall, take your family on an unforgettable maze adventure through a bright and crisp cornfield.

3. Football

Ah, the most wonderful time of the year… football season! Get together to watch your favorite teams battle it out, or go for a friendly game of touch in the backyard.

4. Hiking

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the changing colors of Mother Nature. Don’t live near any mountains or hiking trails? That’s okay! Walks or bike rides are great this time of year too.

5. Hayride

Hayrack rides are fun for all ages. Check out any local orchards, vineyards or attractions which offer hayrack rides for your family to enjoy together.

6. Leaf Gathering

The leaves are changing, and are more beautiful now than ever! Spend an afternoon gathering leaves as a family, then get creative by trying out some new crafts or decorating with them.

7. Picnic

Everybody loves a delicious picnic. Pack a lunch for you and your family, then go for a walk in the park to enjoy a picnic together. It’s the best of both worlds: food and nature.

8. Haunted House

What would fall be without the spooky goodness of haunted houses? Check locally for a real thriller, or a more laid back kid-friendly version. Either way, the ghosts will be flying!

9. Baking

One of the greatest parts of fall is the food. Get your family in the spirit of things by trying some new baking recipes. Because who doesn’t love pie?

10. Pumpkin Carving

And of course, pumpkin carving. Pumpkins are great for any time, whether they’re sitting on your doorstep or for eating pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin carving is family-friendly and fun for all.

This fall, enjoy the colorful changing of Mother Nature by embarking on new adventures with your family. Whether it’s going for a drive through the trees or taking a walk along a trail, get outside and soak up all the colors the outdoors has to offer. Because when you’re having fun, your family is making memories.

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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

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

Testimonials

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