Causes: Child Abuse Prevention, Children & Youth, Children & Youth Services, Crime & Law, Domestic Violence, Protection Against Abuse, Youth Development

Mission: National CASA's mission is to ensure that every child in or risk of being placed in foster care has a CASA Volunteer, appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court. The result is that they are placed into safe, loving homes where they can thrive.

Results: We provide on average 175 volunteers who serve up to 200 children, based upon our financial ability. Our county has nearly 600 children in foster care currently. Our fundraising efforts are all directed toward costs of recruiting and training more volunteers in order to reach even more children. Our goal is to provide a CASA for each child who needs one.

Target demographics: We serve a diverse group of children, birth through 18 years or age, who are in foster care.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 200 children

Geographic areas served: Baltimore County, Maryland

Programs: Screening, including background checks, training, and supervision of volunteer advocates; tracking through database of court cases; presentation of court reports for individual cases.