CASA of New York State is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and part of a community that works to change a child’s story, one child at a time.
Our Mission
To broadly support and develop local volunteer advocacy on behalf of the best interests of abused and neglected children.
ABout us
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New York State (CASANYS) has supported its affiliate local programs, some of which having been in existence for nearly 45 years, in providing substantive advocacy for children who are involved in abuse and neglect proceedings in the family courts throughout New York. CASANYS’s mission is to broadly support and develop local volunteer advocacy on behalf of the best interests of abused and neglected children.
CASANYS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors, that provides ongoing development, training, technical assistance, and resources to local CASA programs across the state. Currently, there are 15 local CASA programs providing advocacy and supportive services in 30 counties. Last year, 746 CASA advocate volunteers served 2,476 children and 1,341 families in New York and devoted 16,307 hours to children, families, the child welfare systems and family court.
Assigned by Court Order, CASA staff and volunteers are appointed to one family at a time to monitor court-ordered services; facilitate communication among the parties; research and understand each child’s unique strengths and needs; advocate for unmet supports; report to the Family Court Judge at each court hearing. Specifically, CASA seeks to ensure that children have their medical, mental health, and educational needs met, with a goal of each child having the opportunity to grow up in a safe, permanent home, where they can thrive.
OUR GOVERNING COURT RULES AND LEGISLATION
In 2006, under the leadership of the late Honorable Judith Kaye, then the Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, PART 44, PART 205.5, and PART 117 of the Rules of the Chief Judge of the New York State Unified Court System were established. These rules set the requirements for CASA program certification, provide for Office of Court Administration funding and define the role of the CASA volunteer in “providing thorough information about the health, safety, well-being and permanency plans of children and their families to the court, the parties and law guardian.”
In 2018, the New York State Legislature passed legislation which provides statutory and legislative recognition of CASA and codifies the 2006 Court Rules. The signing of this legislation by the Governor further established our state government’s support for CASA, and strengthens the organization’s ability to provide needed help for our most vulnerable children in our family courts and foster care system.
OUR FINANCIALS
CASA of New York State is incorporated as The New York State CASA Association, Inc. CASANYS and our affiliated local programs are supported through a combination of government contracts, foundation grants, sponsorship and individual support. For more information click on the Financial Reports link below.