CASA for Children of DC

CASA for Children of DC is a dedicated volunteer-based non-profit with a mission to connect every court-involved youth in DC with the one-on-one support of a consistent adult figure - a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate who can advocate for their best interests and promote positive outcomes. This mission is carried out through the recruitment, training, and support of volunteer advocates (CASA volunteers) who serve youth in DC. CASA DC recognizes the impact that the childhood trauma of abuse and neglect can have on youth - impacting present performance and future outcomes in every aspect of the youth's life. We believe that every foster youth in the District deserves a stable, positive, adult figure who can serve as a protective factor against the impact of the trauma.

CASA DC was founded in 2002 to address the significant needs of children in the District's foster care system. Since that time, CASA DC has trained over 1000 advocates to serve over 1500 youth. In 2019, CASA for Children of DC served 321 youth and trained 61 new volunteers. 83% of youth were supported in Permanency 82% were supported in Education and Learning 70% were supported in Well-Being 61% were supported in building Life Skills Nearly 600 best interest recommendations were made to the DC Superior Family Court.

CASA for Children of DC is a leading voice in advocacy for court-involved youth in the District of Columbia. CASA DC connects specially-trained volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates to support vulnerable and at-risk youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system. CASA volunteers form a mentor-like relationship with youth, engaging them in positive activities and assisting them with goal attainment. Based on the relationship formed, CASAs represent their youth’s best interests in Court.

CASA for Children of DC is committed to providing court-involved youth with individualized support to achieve present goals and improve lifelong outcomes across four domains: Permanency, Well-Being, Education, and Life Skills. CASA DC strives to support court-involved DC youth where there is the greatest identified need. In addition to its Standard program, serving youth who have experienced abuse or neglect, CASA DC has 5 unique programs to support youth in special populations: BRIDGES, which serves youth involved in the juvenile justice system; EMPOWER, which supports youth survivors of trafficking and sexual violence; Family Treatment Court, which supports reunifying families struggling with substance abuse; MAP, serving immigrant and first-generation youth; and Preparing Youth for Adulthood, which empowers transitioning youth towards successful adulthood. All CASA volunteers form a supportive one-on-one relationship with youth and provide individualized advocacy, but each program offers unique opportunities for engagement and impact.

Interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? Apply here today!