Contact:
Sue Schwartz, State Director
920-493-4856
[email protected]
Wisconsin – The Wisconsin CASA Association announced today that Barron County is establishing a CASA program. The Wisconsin Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association champions the needs of abused and neglected children by providing trained volunteers who advocate for a child’s best interests in court. Barron County will become the 9th CASA program in Wisconsin, currently serving children in 11 counties. It is projected to be operational by October 1, 2019.
“There is an incredible need throughout the state for CASA programs and Advocates, so we are pleased to be able to expand into Barron County,” said Wisconsin CASA State Director Sue Schwartz. “In 2018, there were nearly 7,000 children in Wisconsin who qualified for a CASA; however only 975 children were served. We are working hard to expand our reach into every Wisconsin county so that, someday soon, all children who need an Advocate can be served.”
“It’s important for Barron County residents to understand how this program not only benefits abused and neglected children, but also provides benefits to everyone living in the county,” added Schwartz. National studies have shown that a child with a CASA volunteer:
- is more likely to do well in school, less likely to be expelled and have better conduct;
- will spend less time in Foster Care;
- is less likely to re-enter Foster Care;
- and is more likely to find a safe, permanent home.
“Not only can CASA make a positive, lasting impact on a child, it also offers bottom-line benefits to the entire county. In fact, one year of CASA advocacy costs less than one month of Foster Care,” explained Schwartz. “Thank you to the Barron County Board of Supervisors, Barron County Circuit Court, Judge James Babler and Wisconsin Department of Health Services Director Stacey Frolik for their support and help in establishing the program.”
Recruitment is now underway for the local program, including an Executive Director; local board members and individuals interested in becoming CASA Advocates. For more information contact Sue Schwartz, [email protected] or (920) 493-4856.
