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CASA for Children and the american legion: Building a better future

Too many months in foster care Too many moves Too much medication Too few connections Too little education Too much risk of criminal involvement

A Hidden Human Rights Crisis

But There is hopeThe American Legion and CASA volunteers are living examples of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

-Frank D. West, Grant Co., Indiana CASA/GAL Volunteer and LegionnaireCASA for Children is central to fulfillingsocietys most fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for a childs right to be safe, treated with dignity, and thrive in the securityof a loving family. People from all walks of life, all ages, all ethnicities Specially trained and assigned by a judge to advocate for a child Investigate what led to the childs removal and assess the family Understand the childs needs and make sure they are met Request services/assessments that otherwise might not be given Study options for long-term carefrom family members to adoption Make a formal report/recommendation to a judge Close the case when each child is in a safe, loving permanent home

What is a CASA Volunteer?

77,000 CASA Volunteers 1 reliable adult in a childs life Rank CASA above lawyers on 9 key advocacy criteria7.5 months off the time a child is in foster careScore higher on 9 safety and success factors

The results are unprecedented

65% of the children still need a CASA volunteerWe have an obligation to serve 100% of the children in the system By 2020 we intend to meet that obligation

So are the Obstacles

We are close to solving this problem!In the past decade several public, private and philanthropic organizations have madeheadway in reducing the number of childrenin foster care.At the same time, CASA for Children has been increasing the number of children we can serve.YEARCHILDREN IN FOSTER CAREAll Childrenare ServedOur obligation is to close this gap assoon as possible430,000childrenBlue line. We must ensure that top blue line means safely reducing the number and it is not in fact driven by budget pressures in state, county resources.Red line. Through public outreach, awareness, private partnerships elevating the cause and funding. * 7-10% increase predominately from private sources

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The American Legion stands for a strong America There is no better way to bring this about than to work with our most vulnerable youth. Those being left behind. Those without a voice.

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Children are our most precious natural resource We understand the role of the advocate We speak up for childrens interests and voice their concerns We believe every child has the right to be treated with dignity, to be safe, and to thrive in the safe embrace of a loving family shared values

Fighting for a better future for our youth

National CASA is proud to partner with The American Legion, and are honored to have them join us in our I am for the child movement ensuring a safe, permanent home for ever child. Together, we can build a critical mass of support and change the lives of abused and neglected children.

Thank You

IamForTheChild.org

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