Boston CASA

Boston CASA is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the best interests of children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. The organization operates primarily in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties, focusing on providing a stable voice for these children within the court system.

History

Boston CASA was established in 1982 under the jurisdiction of the court by Judge Francis G. Poitrast, responding to the need for permanency for court-involved children. The organization evolved from being state-funded to becoming an autonomous nonprofit in 2012. Since then, it has grown significantly, increasing its volunteers, staff, and the number of children served.

Mission and Roles

Boston CASA's mission is to ensure a safe and permanent home for children who have been abused or neglected by providing advocacy within and outside the courtroom. The organization achieves this by recruiting, training, and supervising community volunteers known as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). Each CASA is assigned to a single child or sibling group at a time, ensuring consistent support throughout the case. CASAs work to address the child's physical, emotional, mental health, and educational needs, collaborating with all parties involved in the child's life.

Programs

Boston CASA has introduced initiatives like the Transition Age Youth Advocacy Program, launched in 2014. This program focuses on supporting young adults in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties who are aging out of the foster care system, helping them to transition into independent adulthood.

Impact and Operations

The organization has experienced significant growth since becoming independent in 2012. This includes a 600% increase in revenue and over a 250% increase in the number of children served. Boston CASA's volunteers are crucial to its operations; they undergo an extensive training program before being assigned cases. The organization tracks the well-being of each child, focusing on aspects such as education, health, social well-being, and permanency.

Recognition and Leadership

Boston CASA has been recognized with the Social Innovator Award from the Social Innovation Forum in 2017. The organization is led by Executive Director Charles Lerner, who brings a background as a foster youth and extensive experience in child welfare leadership. Lisa Caissie, the Assistant Director, has been instrumental in managing volunteer programs.

Vision

Boston CASA envisions a future where every child and youth is part of a safe and loving family, with equitable access to resources and opportunities to thrive. The organization's vision is supported through advocacy and mentorship efforts.

[1] https://bostoncasa.org/our-mission/ [2] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/c691ecbab02f4adea4c890f20fd44478-boston-casa-inc-boston [3] https://learningbygivingfoundation.org/blogs/nonprofits/boston-casa-court-appointed-special-advocates [4] https://bostoncasa.org/history-of-casa/ [5] https://bostoncasa.org