For Immediate Release – January 25, 2012
Over 8000 children in Oregon
are in foster care on an average daily basis as a result of abuse and
neglect. This violation of children’s
basic human rights is the focus of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Last
year Oregon CASA programs across the state advocated for
over 5000 children. A CASA volunteer has received specialized training to speak
out and act in the best interests of abused and neglected children. They are
trained to work within the child welfare and family court systems and are
appointed by judges to individual children. CASA organizations improve outcomes
for children and increase the likelihood that a child will grow into a
successful adult despite great hurdles. The
CASA volunteer becomes a trusted adult empowered to ensure that each child is
well cared for and able to find a safe, loving, permanent home.
The Oregon
CASA Network (OCN), a newly formed organization, was developed to increase
effectiveness and efficiency of each independent CASA organization with a goal
of an Advocate for every child in need. Twenty-nine programs serve all counties
in Oregon. The OCN has entered into a partnership with the National CASA
Association, linking together leadership and technical assistance resources to
provide better support for local CASA programs. National CASA recently launched
its “I am for the child” campaign, a national effort to make sure every
eligible child is being served by a CASA advocate by 2020. As a result of this recent
collaboration, the Ford Family Foundation has awarded OCN a two year project
grant totaling $445,000. Funding will support multiple activities, aimed at
strengthening the newly launched network while motivating local participation
in systems-building work led by both the OCN and National CASA.
Every community in Oregon can
benefit when their children are safe, protected and loved. The Oregon CASA
Network is committed to that end.
The Ford
Family Foundation was established in 1957 by Kenneth W. and Hallie E.
Ford. Its mission is “successful
citizens and vital rural communities” in Oregon and Siskiyou County,
California. The Foundation is located in
Roseburg, Oregon, with a Scholarship office in Eugene.
Media Contact: Pam Fortier
Phone: (541)389-1618
Email: pam@casaofcentraloregon.org
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