CASA RECOGNIZES FOSTER CARE MONTH

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 May is National Foster Care Month and is celebrated each year to recognize CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers who advocate for the needs of children and youth in foster care.

Nationwide, there are more than 390,000 children and youth in foster care and up to 80 percent of them need significant mental health support. 

Mental and behavioral health support is the largest unmet health need for children and teens in foster care. Up to 80% of children experiencing significant mental health needs are due to the complex traumas of separation from family and culture of origin. CASA volunteers work with legal and child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure 19th Judicial District Court Judge Matthew J. Cuffe has all the information he needs to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. 

Positive mental and behavioral health for children and youth requires the presence of at least one nurturing, responsive caregiver who is stable in the child’s or youth’s life over time. CASA volunteers provide a consistent advocate, and reliable resource for children and youth during times of great uncertainty and transition. 

Having a CASA volunteer:

- Ensures the child or youth has a stable, caring adult on their side, which research shows improves mental health outcomes, regardless of the circumstances of their case. 

- Results in family reunification, legal guardianship, adoption, placement with relatives or continued care at home by parents.

- Provides children and youth with timely resources and support services tailored to each case. 

- Gives children and youth greater hope and optimism for a brighter future, which are strong protective factors supporting positive mental health. 

CASA volunteers not only advocate for children and youth within the court, child welfare and school systems, but also form connections with them which can last for years. For more information or ways you can help, visit www.lincolncasa.org.