Community Corner
Assistance League Diablo Valley Welcomes CASA Manager Sarah Bradford
One of the few things a foster child can depend on is upheaval.
Prior to the Assistance League Diablo Valley’s meeting on Wednesday, November 12, Sarah Bradford, Community Engagement & Education Manager of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Contra Costa County, described the process when a child enters the foster care system.
When a child enters foster care, it is through no fault of their own; rather, it is a result of adult abuse and/or neglect. In a mere 24 hours, that child endures drastic and permanent upheaval as he or she loses contact with family, friends, pets and school. Additionally, the caregivers, social workers and even the judge handling the case assigned to that foster child often change over time. The only person who does not change during such an upset is the Court Appointed Special Advocate, or the CASA Volunteer.
In 1977, children’s court Judge David Soukup recognized the plight of foster children and worked to help the court system better understand the family dynamic that results in foster care placement. Ultimately, he established the nonprofit system we know as the Court Appointed Special Advocates with 50 volunteer advocates. Today, 1,000 CASA programs operate in 49 states. In 1981, Contra Costa County joined the CASA Program as its fourth in the nation.
Find out what's happening in Walnut Creekfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In addition to the CASA Program, Contra Costa recipients benefit from a comprehensive tutor program, the first of its kind. Likewise, Contra Costa County Health Department provides a Reproductive Health Program, which presently serves 45 youths.
Last year alone, Contra Costa County foster youths managed a 62% high school graduation rate. When working with a CASA volunteer, this figure typically jumps to 95%. Statistically, children and youth who have a CASA volunteer are more likely to finish high school and continue with post-secondary education.
Find out what's happening in Walnut Creekfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Ms. Bradford concluded her presentation by sharing that emotional and financial help from nonprofit organizations would fortify CASA’s goals. She added that for those interested in learning more about CASA could access childadvocatesofcontracostacounty.org. Lastly, she thanked Assistance League Diablo Valley for its time and consideration.
To learn more about Assistance League Diablo Valley’s Thrift Shop, located next to the Park Theater in Lafayette, and the 16 hands-on programs it financially supports, please visit: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.
