Since CASA for Children of DC was established in 2002, nearly 700 people from the Washington metropolitan region have joined CASA DC’s movement to speak up for foster youth. More than 500 children have been served by these extraordinary volunteers!
INTRODUCING THE CASA DC MENTORING INITIATIVE!
The Mentoring Initiative is CASA for Children of DC's newest initiative area. 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 Mentor, contact Kenneth Barrow at kbarrow@casadc.org today!
OTHER CASA INITIATIVES
Though all CASA volunteers receive comprehensive, nationally-recognized training in advocacy, and serve all CASA youth with individualized passion, CASA for Children of DC also serves four unique populations of DC foster youth. With two partnerships with DC Family Court and two specialized assignment and training programs, CASA DC seeks to serve the 
special needs of DC youth.
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.
Family 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.
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.
LGBT Youth Initiative: Lesbian, gay, 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.