CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
We believe every child who’s been abused or neglected deserves to have a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school and in our community. To accomplish this, CASA educates and empowers diverse community volunteers who ensure each child’s needs remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system. When the state steps in to protect a child’s safety because the people responsible for protecting them have not, a judge appoints a trained CASA volunteer to make independent and informed recommendations and help the judge decide what’s best for the child.
For children who’ve been abused or neglected, CASA means having a home instead of feeling lost, and being a priority instead of feeling invisible. Children with CASA volunteers are more likely to end up with their family, and according to National CASA, more likely to receive therapy, health care and education and do better in school, and less likely to be bounced from one place to another or get stuck in long-term foster care. CASA’s vision is to provide a volunteer advocate for every child in need in our community. Currently, 100+ children still needed a volunteer to speak up for them.
CASA of Western Maryland serves children from Washington County and Allegany County, Maryland. Those interested in becoming a CASA can be from ANY county, in Maryland and neighboring states.
What is CASA?
Mission
Guiding Principles
Statement of Affiliations
Value Statements
2022-2025
Care
We strive to ensure attention and consideration for the health, welfare, maintenance and protection of our community’s youth and the CASA program is upheld.
Responsibility and Dedication
Our entire organization shows passion and maturity to our fundamental values and support of our mission statement.
Integrity / Truth / Candor
Our volunteers and leaders pay close attention and ask for advice, as necessary, while keeping the safety and best interests of the children in the forefront.
Community Trust
We are active in our community and participate in community outreach events and support. We ensure that we represent our organization professionally in our community. We hold our employees, board, and volunteers accountable to our values.
Teamwork
We divide and conquer as needed and come together to support our goals. We embrace each other’s strengths and our organization’s diversity to get the job done.
Children First Initiative
The goal is always to put the best interest of the child first.
Advocacy
Advocating for our program throughout the community, grant processes, and throughout the court system is a priority.
Service
The scope of the need in our area is much greater at times than in other areas. Regardless of the task or need our organization comes together to support the community and the needs of our children.
Upcoming Events
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Washington County 2nd Annual CASA of Western Maryland Golf Tournament, Friday, August 1