Poverty, and the overwhelming stress, limited options and entrenched bias that come with it, have a profound negative effect on children and families. We know that these factors increase the likelihood of child neglect and abuse. CASA leverages our unique role to advocate for changes, services and support that build strong children and strong families.

Breaking the cycle of poverty: the casa difference

CASA volunteers are appointed by Family Court judges to monitor and advocate for children foster care, or in preventive placements with their parents or extended families. While historically serving more children in foster care, in line with the Family First Prevention Services Act, 64% of children served by CASA in New York State are living, or have been reunified with, their parents, or they are in kinship placements.

Children that come to the attention of child welfare and the Family Court “are far more likely than all other children to have serious medical problems, developmental delays, and emotional difficulties.”[i] CASA programs in New York report that:

• 20% of the children served by their program had medical disabilities

• 61% had behavioral health/cognitive disabilities

• 65% had educational disabilities.

“In many courts, CASA is the tangible link between the judge and service providers, working with the child and child’s caregiver.”[ii]

“The nation’s courts are at the front line for addressing the well-being of thousands of children in foster care. We would move closer to achieving the goal of healthy development for every foster child if at least one person involved in the court process – one judge, one lawyer, one [attorney for the child], one Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) – asked questions to highlight the child’s health needs and identify gaps in services.”[iii]

 “To reduce child poverty long term, children also need access to affordable, comprehensive physical and behavioral health care, affordable high-quality early development and learning opportunities.”[iv] CASA has proven outcomes on children’s physical and emotional health, education and development, and safety.

• In 92% of cases, CASA confirmed that a child was current with physical health exams, immunizations, and any follow up care, or when medical needs were identified, CASA alerted the appropriate parties.

• In 81% of cases, when a mental health professional recommended an evaluation, CASA confirmed that the evaluation was scheduled/completed, or when not scheduled/completed, CASA notified the appropriate parties.

• In 91% of cases, CASA contacted a medical provider, school, or caretaker to determine whether a child was developmentally on target or needed further evaluation, or when an evaluation was not provided, CASA alerted the appropriate parties.

• CASA verified that a child’s placement setting was safe and appropriate in 96% of cases, or if found to be unsafe or appropriate, CASA alerted the appropriate parties.

• In 98% of cases, CASA verified that a child’s level of care was appropriate based on the child’s needs, or if there were concerns about the child’s level of care, CASA alerted the appropriate parties.

• When additional services were needed, 99% of children received one or more services advocated for by CASA, or when services were not received, CASA alerted the appropriate parties.

Research shows that children assigned to a CASA receive:

• more support services,

• are less likely to remain in long-term care

• are less likely to re-enter foster care once returned to their parents.[v] 

60% of substantiated CPS responses nationally involve neglect only . . . and provision of concrete support is associated with decreases in both neglect and physical abuse. Therefore, having access to concrete supports when families are struggling:

• increases family protective factors

• decreases child maltreatment

• and with less maltreatment, families are less likely to enter or re-enter the child welfare system.

• lower maltreatment rates increase the likelihood that children will move up the income ladder.[vi]

Further, “education is often referred to as the great equalizer: It can open the door to jobs, resources, and skills that help a person not only survive, but thrive. This is why access to quality education is a globally recognized solution to poverty.”[vii]

In New York State, CASA volunteers connect children and families to concrete supports, increasing their protective factors, decreasing future child maltreatment and the need for intervention from the courts and child welfare, and reducing the risk of falling into poverty.

[i] Dicker, & Gordon. (2006). The Essential Advocate:  Using CASAs to Promote Child Well-Being. NCJFCJ.

[ii] Dicker, & Gordon. (2006). The Essential Advocate:  Using CASAs to Promote Child Well-Being. NCJFCJ.

[iii] Ensuring the Healthy Development of Foster Children - The Permanent Judicial Commission on Justice for Children. A Guide for Judges, Advocates & Child Welfare Professionals. Retrieved from the New York State Unified Court System: https://nycourts.gov/ip/justiceforchildren/publications.shtml

[iv] Children’s Defense Fund, Child Poverty. Retrieved from Children’s Defense Fund: https://www.childrensdefense.org/policy/policy-priorities/child-poverty/

[v] National CASA/GAL Association for Children, Our Impact. Retrieved from National CASA/GAL Association for Children: https://nationalcasagal.org/our-impact/research-and-effectiveness/

[vi] Weiner. D.  Anderson, C., Thomas, K. (2021), Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, Addressing Economic Hardship Key to Preventing Child Welfare System Involvement. Retrieved from Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago: https://www.chapinhall.org/research/economic-supports-child-welfare/

[vii] Giovetti. O. (April 17, 2022). Concern Worldwide: How Does Education Affect Poverty? It Can Help End It.  Retrieved from Concern Worldwide: https://www.concernusa.org/story/how-does-education-affect-poverty/