Thursday, September 02, 2010
       
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EXCITING NEWS!
 
The Boston Friends of CASA has been chosen as a Holiday Prudential Tower Lighting Partner for the 31 Nights of Lights 2010.  On Saturday, December 18, 2010, The Friends will "light the tower" at The Prudential Center.
Save the date and stay tuned for upcoming details on the fabulous festivities!
 
* * * * *
Our telephone number has changed.
 
The new number to reach The Boston Friends of CASA is 617 . 788 . 6445.
Please note that the former number, 617 . 523 . 8177, is no longer connected to The Friends office.
 
* * * * *
To Our Boston CASA Volunteers
 
Please remember that The Friends of CASA is here to support you and your CASA children.  Check out the Family Fund on this website or contact Sue, our Administrative Assistant, at casafriend2@msn.com or 617 . 788 . 6445 for more information.
 
* * * * *
   
 
The Boston CASA Program, advocating for abused and neglected children since 1982.

A

ll children have a right to permanency and loving care.  But each year, hundreds of thousands of children across the United States are abused, neglected, sexually abused or abandoned by their families. In Suffolk County alone there are an estimated 9,000 reports of abuse and neglect.  Many of these children are removed from their homes and placed in foster care. There are over 500 children in foster care in the Boston area.  These children eventually end up before the court where a judge must decide their future. Should they be reunited with their parents, remain in foster care, or be adopted?                                                                                                                           

 

Enter the CASA... Court Appointed Special Advocate.

                       

The Boston CASA Program recruits, trains and supervises volunteers from the community to advocate for the "Best Interest" of children who have been abused or neglected and are court involved. 

 
The Boston CASA Program is designed to aid the court in giving these children a permanent home.  The CASA Volunteer is appointed as a child's guardian ad litem (GAL) to protect and promote their best interest.
 
When a CASA /GAL is appointed to a child’s case, he/she is responsible for finding out as much as possible about that child by reviewing records, interviewing parents, speaking to service providers and most important,  talking with the child.  The CASA/GAL must also write reports at regular intervals for the court, and appear in court with recommendations as to what is best for the child’s future. The CASA/GAL works hard to ensure that child victims of abuse and neglect are not overlooked in an already overcrowded court system. 
 
CASA Volunteers serve as Investigators, act as advocates, and are the eyes and ears of the court.
 
CASA Volunteers come from all walks of life.  They have a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds.  They are selected on the quality of their objectivity, competence and commitment.
   
 To give without any reward,
or any notice,
has a special quality
of its own.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
American pilot and writer