What is a CASA? When an abused or neglected child is removed from an unsafe environment and placed in foster care, a judge may appoint an Advocate to represent the best interests of that child or youth—in and out of court. This committed volunteer is a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA.
In 2013, there were 796 children in foster care in Montgomery County. While each child’s story is unique, there are some identifiers that are common to foster children. Many are shuffled from foster home to foster home, during which time lapses in education often occur due to these frequent moves. Abused and neglected children often… Read more »
Infants and toddlers who are removed from their home and placed in foster care need special consideration and guidance through the grieving process, in their relationships, and through transitions from one caregiver to another. Because they may be non-verbal or lack the developmental ability and maturity to understand what is happening to them, let alone… Read more »
For many parents whose children have been removed from the home, Child Protective Services (CPS) may seem like the “villain” who stole their children, rather than as a resource to help stabilize and preserve their family and to protect children from abuse and neglect. For case workers, attorneys, and judges, it’s often hard to see… Read more »
Success for a child in foster care may look a little different than what one might consider success for a typical child. Success for them is one more step toward overcoming abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Success might mean a year of school uninterrupted by a change in household. Success often means finding permanency, whether that… Read more »
In 2015, resolve to make a difference. Children in your community need someone to walk with them through some of the most difficult times a child can face. After suffering abuse and neglect, children who are placed in foster care need a voice, an Advocate. Resolve to stand up for a child who needs you… Read more »
Most of us grew up with family holiday traditions. We could expect certain things to happen on special days every year, cementing specific memories and feelings and the satisfaction of met expectations. Even when things didn’t always go smoothly, the holidays held a certain rhythm and excitement that could be counted on. For children in… Read more »
