CASANYS Initiatives

CASA: Advocates for Children of New York State
Initiatives

The CASA/CAC Partnership Project was a collaborative effort between the New York State Office of Children and Families (NYSOCFS), CASA: Advocates for Children of New York State, the NYS Child Advocacy Resource and Consultation Center (NYSCARCC), and local CASA and CAC programs. The overall goal of the project was to improve advocacy and reduce the trauma children experience when they are victims of sexual abuse.

The CASA/Domestic Violence Partnership Project, begun in the fall of 2004, was designed to improve CASA’s ability to facilitate both primary and secondary prevention of child abuse. The project was also designed to explore methods for expediting permanence of children in cases involving domestic violence. Following a series of regional trainings in the spring of 2006, Practice Guidelines to Support Effective CASA and Domestic Violence Partnerships created.

Our participation in the Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children’s Education Advocacy Initiative has included involvement in statewide education meetings to review legal and procedural concerns related to the needs of children in care. We are also involved in sharing strategies for mobilizing resources to better meet those needs.

CASA was a natural fit for the Healthy Development Project and has been fortunate to receive funding from the Permanent Judicial Commission to facilitate our involvement. Our volunteers utilize the Commission's Healthy Development Checklist to ensure that all of the health and developmental needs of the children have been addressed.

Last Updated 12/08/05

CASA: Advocates for Children of New York State
32 Essex Street

Albany, NY 12206
Phone: 518-426-5354
Toll-Free: 877-80-VOICE
Fax: 518-426-5348
E-mail: mail@casanys.org

Member of National CASA Association