Diversity Outreach
Volunteers are placed with a child based on that child's individual needs. Often these children are more comfortable with and trusting of advocates who best understand their cultural needs and can connect with a child on that level.
Overwhelmingly, African-American and Hispanic/Latino children are overrepresented in the child welfare system. In fact, African-Americans represent only 15% of the total population but make up 35% of the children in the foster care system. Of all CASA volunteers, currently only 12% are African-American. With more than 50% of the African-American children in need being boys, we have a special need for more men to stand up and be counted as everyday heroes and role models in the lives of these future men.
Visit our
African-American dedicated site
There are 91,000 Hispanic/Latino children currently in the foster care system and fewer than 2,000 Hispanic/Latino volunteers to serve them. In large cities in the west and southwest, the need is far greater. Bilingual Hispanic/Latino volunteers are especially needed. While all volunteers communicate in English during court proceedings, they are often working with individuals whose first language is Spanish. Navigating language barriers is critical to ensuring success for a child. Currently only 4% of all CASA volunteers are Hispanic/Latino.
But our need for volunteers is critical, no matter your cultural background. Please consider standing up for a child who needs you most. You truly can make a difference.
Visit our Hispanic/Latino dedicated site or view our Hispanic/Latino recruitment video
(13MB wmv).
National CASA also has resources to support
Native American children, whether they are involved in Tribal
Court or state court. Watch this space for new resources to meet
the needs of children and families who identify as Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning (LGBTQ). |
