Exciting Updates to the CASA Program: Enhancing Advocacy and Support for Children in Need
Written by Kelsea Maurer
We are thrilled to share some groundbreaking improvements to our CASA program that are transforming how we advocate for children in need. Thanks to your continued support, we've made significant strides in matching more children with CASA volunteers faster, and ensuring those children get the advocacy they deserve right from the start. Here's a look at some of the exciting changes we've implemented:
1. Introducing the CASA Case Questionnaire for Better Matching
We’ve rolled out a new, enhanced CASA Case Questionnaire that helps us match children with volunteers who are best suited to their unique needs. This questionnaire asks CASAs targeted questions about their preferences and travel availability, allowing us to tailor assignments to their skills, experience, and comfort level. The result? More effective and efficient matches, ensuring children get the support they need—and volunteers get a case that truly fits their strengths.
2. Creation of the Case Manager Position
In response to the more complex cases we've been seeing, we’ve introduced a new paid Case Manager position. This role is designed to step in and support children with the most challenging needs—those cases that might have previously been stuck on a waitlist for months. The Case Manager helps reduce the backlog of children waiting for a CASA, particularly those with higher needs, ensuring more kids are paired with an advocate who can make a difference.
3. Dramatic Reduction in Children on the Waitlist
For the first time ever, we’re actively monitoring the daily court schedule to track children entering DHS custody. By catching cases at the earliest point, we’re now able to match children with CASAs faster, cutting down on the time they spend without advocacy. In just five months, we’ve successfully matched 92 children with a CASA—and the numbers keep growing. This new approach is helping ensure no child falls through the cracks.
4. Monthly Newsletter to Spotlight Urgent Cases
Our revamped monthly volunteer newsletter (different than the donor newsletter, as it highlights sensitive case information that can’t be shared publically) now highlights children with the most urgent need for a CASA. This focused approach has been incredibly effective—when we feature these critical cases, volunteers respond quickly. In fact, we’ve seen CASAs volunteer to take on these urgent cases within just a week of the newsletter’s distribution, making a real-time impact in our ability to serve children who need it most.
5. Immediate CASA Appointment at Settlement Conferences
Finally, we’ve implemented a new process that allows us to appoint CASAs directly at settlement conferences. This means children are no longer placed on a waitlist while their case drags on. Instead, they receive immediate support at a crucial stage in the process, significantly improving their advocacy from day one.
Looking Ahead
These changes have already made a tremendous impact in our ability to serve children, and we are just getting started. We are excited to build on this momentum, continuing to enhance our program’s effectiveness and reach even more children in need. With your continued support, we can keep this vital work going and ensure that every child has the voice and advocate they deserve.
Thank you for being an integral part of these incredible strides forward!
