Dear Supporters:
In the following pages, you will read about the progress to operationalize the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (National CASA) Strategic Framework, which maps a transformative path to equip the Association and its member network to better serve children. Our vision is to create a world where every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.
This 2015 annual report reflects the extraordinary work, commitment and leadership by CASA/GAL volunteers and staff at all levels of National CASA and its member network. It also reflects the progress we have made together to advance the critical building blocks for success we developed and defined in our strategic framework more than a year ago.
The foundation from which National CASA operates to fulfill its mission is inextricably linked to the success of the CASA/GAL member network, made up of 943 state and local member programs that cover 49 states. Together in 2015, the network supported nearly 77,000 volunteers who were screened, trained and appointed by a judge of the court to serve more than 250,000 abused or neglected children.
Our work is becoming more daunting each day, further complicated by human trafficking that is targeting foster youth and an accelerating opioid epidemic pushing the number of children in foster care higher. An estimated 452,000 children in 2015 were without a compassionate volunteer advocate to guide them through a complex child welfare system. This is not acceptable. Our work is far from done.
Our established framework is strengthening the work we do. Together with our state and local member programs we aspire to recruit, train and pair 200,000-plus needed volunteers with America’s most vulnerable children going it alone in the foster care or court system.
We are honored to do this meaningful work alongside you every day and to reach for the common goal of serving every child who needs our best interest advocacy. Thank you for your tireless commitment – from volunteerism to funding our work – and all you do in support of building a brighter future for America’s abused and neglected children.
William Collins
Chair, Board of Trustees,
National CASA
Tara Perry
Chief Executive Officer,
National CASA
