LANCASTER, PA (05, 20, 2019) – On any given day, there are nearly 443,000 children in foster care in the United States. During National Foster Care Month, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lancaster County challenges residents to help ensure these children find safe, nurturing, and permanent homes by becoming a CASA Volunteer Advocate.
Throughout the month of May, CASA is calling on community members to help close the gap of about 400 Lancaster County youth in foster care (ages 0-21) who do not yet have a CASA Volunteer Advocate. According to Director of Community Outreach, Melissa Leibig, “CASA currently serves about 45% of these children and teens but much more help is needed if we are to reach our goal of serving “every child in need by 2020.”
“The number of children coming into care in Lancaster County continues to grow and we aim to give these children a voice,” said Jessica Laspino, Executive Director. “Every child deserves the support of a caring, consistent, trained adult to help them find a safe, loving home where they can heal and thrive.”
Without intervention, the odds are stacked against these vulnerable children. Studies show that if a child has a CASA Volunteer they are more likely to receive needed services, such as health care, therapy, and education. They have a better chance of being adopted, rather than languishing in long-term care. CASA volunteers are a constant for the child in a time of chaos. A child may have multiple social workers, attorneys, therapists and foster placements throughout the life of the case but only one CASA volunteer, which can make all the difference for the child’s future. With your help children begin to trust again, and experience the consistency of someone who really cares.
Join us on Monday, June 17 at 12 p.m. at LGH Suburban Outpatient Pavillion for an introduction and overview of the role of a CASA Volunteer Advocate. To RSVP please call (717) 208-3280, or email casa@calancaster.org.
SOURCE: The AFCARS Report: Preliminary FY 2017 estimates as of September 24, 2018 - Number 25
