Court Appointed Special Advocates of NYC (CASA-NYC)
Court Appointed Special Advocates of NYC (CASA-NYC) recruits New Yorkers from all walks of life to serve as volunteer Advocates for children and youth in foster care. Family Court Judges request these highly-trained volunteers’ assistance when concerned that a child is at risk of falling through the cracks of the child welfare system. MFF renewal funding will support the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), composed of young people with lived experience in foster care and led by CASA-NYC's Youth Fellow. The YAB advises CASA-NYC on best practices and policies for supporting children and youth involved in the child welfare system, facilitates training for CASA-NYC staff and volunteers, engages in systems advocacy efforts, and conducts educational presentations for external stakeholders and the general public.
“I know that without Susan, I wouldn’t be where I am, or who I am today. I am forever grateful and appreciative to have met someone like her. If the majority of CASA volunteers are like this woman that I was fortunate enough to have, then everyone in foster care deserves a CASA volunteer.”