Since CASA for Children of DC was established in 2002, almost 500 people from the Washington metropolitan region have completed training to join DC’s movement on behalf of children that have been abused and neglected.  Nearly 400 children have been served by these extraordinary volunteers.

Below are CASA DC’s four major programs. 

1.  Family Drug Treatment Court:  Through this partnership with the court, CASA works with children and their mothers who have been charged with neglect, often due to treatable substance abuse or mental health problems. Because of their unique role, CASA volunteers are able to provide the Family Treatment Court Judge with an unbiased perspective on the families of foster children with a focus on their level of functionality and continuing service needs.  

2. Dual-Jacket Initiative:   A CASA volunteer in a dual-jacket case advocates on behalf of a foster youth who has been placed in the child welfare system because of abuse or neglect, subsequently arrested for a crime, and then placed in the juvenile justice system. CASA volunteers enhance coordination among agencies, organizations, and individuals providing services to these youths.  Their findings and recommendations are presented to the court for adjudication.  

3. Preparing Youth for Adulthood Initiative:  This program is a collaborative effort with the DC Family Court and DC Child Family Services Agency.  It was established for foster youths who are transitioning to adulthood or about to ‘age out’ of the foster care system. CASA volunteers help them prepare for independent life and enhance coordination among agencies and organizations providing services to these adolescents.

4. GLBT Youth Initiative:   Gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender foster youth in the child welfare system are carefully paired with a CASA volunteer. These youths benefit tremendously from a caring supportive adult in their lives. This program is designed to assist foster youths in navigating through the court system while building a positive and healthy identity. The volunteers provide advocacy, support, information, resources, guidance, and positive role-modeling.

These four programs help ensure that foster youths:

• Have permanent connections with caring adults.
• Reside in stable living environments.
• Take more responsibility for their decisions.
• Receive reinforcement for the positive decisions they make.

INTRODUCING THE B.U.D.D.Y. MENTORING INITIATIVE!

Building Up Dynamic Determined Youth (B.U.D.D.Y.) Mentoring Initiative is CASA DC's newest program. Volunteer Mentors work with foster youth aged six to 21 outside of the courtroom. Mentees gain a positive and consistent caring adult figure in their life to teach them the skills they need to navigate life successfully.

For more information on becoming a B.U.D.D.Y. mentor, contact Phil Lartigue or Raquel Halsey at mybuddy@casadc.org today.