Right now in Washoe County, there are more than 900 children in foster care. When possible, these children are assigned a Court Appointed Special Advocate to provide them with support.
Our reporter Paul Boger spoke with judge Cynthia Lu to learn more about the CASA program and this continued need.
- Only 1 in about 5 children in the foster care system in Washoe County are assigned a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
- The CASA volunteers are individuals who provide support by helping a judge make decisions in the best interest of the kids. But most CASA volunteers also provide emotional support -- sometimes creating life-long bonds.
- A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to…
o Find a safe and permanent home.
o Get more help in the system.
o Have a consistent and responsible adult presence.
o Spend less time in foster care.
o Not be bounced from home to home.
o Do better in school.
- Since its inception, the Washoe County CASA Program has served over 5,000 children.
As a note of disclosure, the Washoe CASA Foundation is an underwriter for this station.
