Special to the Gazette
Pictured left to right- Ashley Anderson of Boston, Kellsey Forest of Dorchester, Nikolas Reeder of Boston, Kaitlyn Drenckpohl of Boston, Yooni Park of Cambridge, Primrose Chareka of Sommerville, Lydia Morrison of Jamaica Plain.
On June 24, seven local residents were officially sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) by the Honorable Brian P. Frame, First Justice of Middlesex Juvenile Court. The full cohort of 15 volunteers have completed intensive training and are now legally authorized to advocate in court for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The remaining volunteers will be sworn-in virtually on June 30th by the Honorable Terry Craven of Suffolk Juvenile Court.
CASAs are community volunteers appointed by a judge to serve as dedicated advocates for a child’s best interests throughout their involvement in the child welfare system. They gather information from families, professionals, and service providers and make recommendations to the court to help ensure safe, stable and permanent outcomes.
“Even for adults, the child welfare and legal systems are challenging to navigate, full of confusing legal jargon, bureaucracy, and constant changes in professionals. For a child, the experience can be overwhelming, isolating, and deeply traumatic,” said Nicole Stewart, Executive Director of Boston CASA. “CASAs walk beside youth —attending court hearings, school meetings, and placement transition — to ensure each child is seen, heard, and supported.”
The newly appointed advocates will serve children in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties through Boston CASA. The nonprofit recruits, trains, and supports volunteers from the community to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for children and youth who have suffered abuse and neglect. Each volunteer is assigned to one child or sibling group at a time, providing consistency and a trusted presence in the midst of uncertainty.
Research shows that youth with a CASA experience fewer placement disruptions, better access to education and healthcare, and are significantly more likely to find safe, permanent homes. They are also half as likely to re-enter foster care. According to a survey of judges, 92% report that CASAs improve long-term outcomes for the children they serve.
Boston CASA is currently recruiting its next class of volunteers. For more information about how to become a CASA, please visit www.bostoncasa.org.
Boston CASA recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect, most of whom end up in foster care. Unlike mentors, CASAs work within the child welfare system, advocating directly in court and alongside DCF to ensure children in foster care receive the support, stability, and services they need. Research shows that just one consistent adult can change a child’s trajectory—help us be that difference. Volunteer, donate, or support our mission at www.bostoncasa.org . #ChangeAChildsStory