The National CASA Association supports court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children. It has 46 state offices and 904 local programs serving over 237,000 children through 71,000 volunteers. CASA volunteers act as fact finders, facilitators, monitors, and advocates for children in court. Their role is to ensure children's safety, establish permanence in living situations, and allow children opportunities to thrive.

1. National CASA Association
ADVOCATING FOR YOUTH

2. Mission
Together with its state and local members,
National CASA supports and promotes court-
appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused
or neglected child can be safe, establish
permanence and have the opportunity to thrive.

3. CASA Network
 46 State Offices and 904 local programs
 49 States, District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin
Islands
 71,000 Volunteers in 2009
 Serving 237,095 abused and neglected children

4. How CASA Works
Role of CASA/GAL
CASA Program
volunteers
 Recruit and screen  Fact finder
volunteers
 Provide high quality  Facilitator
training and
supervision
 Monitor
 Support volunteers in
their efforts on behalf
of children  Advocate

5. Questions to Frame Our Discussion
 In what forums do you typically advocate for
youth?
 What are some of the most common issues
for which you are advocating?
 What are some of the most common
challenges in advocating for youth?

6. Basic Elements of Advocacy
 Problem situation
 Clear analysis of the position
 Proposal
 Strategies and tactics
 Process

7. Qualities of an Effective Advocate
 Professionalism
 Interpersonal competence
 Cultural competence
 Persistent and tenacious
 Good listener
 Knowledgeable about youth, their situation, needs
and resources
 Flexible
 Willing to speak up

8. Issues of Older Youth in Out of Home
Care or Homeless
 Educational Disadvantages
 Homelessness
 Incarceration
 Mental Health Issues

9. Working with Older Youth
 Develop trust and rapport
 Overcome resistance
 Involve the youth
 Allow youth to partner with and guide
 Provide wise counsel
 Self-directed advocacy
 Model critical thinking

10. Key Questions
 Education
 Employment
 Housing/Living arrangements
 Life Skills
 Supportive relationships/community
resources
 Physical/behavioral health

11. Avenues for Communication
 Face to face
 Telephone
 Texting
 Email
 Social networking

12. Special Considerations
 Youth of color
 LGBTQ youth
 Youth with disabilities or chronic
illness

13. Youth of Color
 Ensure safety
 Know yourself – be aware of bias
 Participate in cultural competency training
 Help achieve a positive ethnic and cultural
identity
 Don’t shy away from courageous
conversations
 Use community as a cultural resource

14. LGBTQ Youth
 Ensure safety
 Be aware of your own bias
 Educate yourself about the issues
 Respect confidentiality
 Know community resources
 Familiarize yourself with pertinent laws

15. Youth with Disabilities or Chronic Illness
 Ensure safety
 Become familiar with diagnosis
 Watch for physical and behavioral changes
 Familiarize yourself on community
resources
 Know the pertinent laws (e.g. IDEA)
 Know caregiver responsibilities

16. Words from the Wise
 Use positive reinforcement
 Appreciate achievements
 Advocate as you would for your own
 Expect the best from the youth
 Give them the best you have

17. Wrap-Up
 Questions?
 For more information contact:
Sally Wilson Erny, NCASA , Chief Program Officer
sallye@nationalcasa.org
800-628-3233, ext. 245