Children raised in stable environments have less anxiety and higher thresholds of security, while those who experience instability (from abuse, for example) overproduce stress hormones that impact brain development and impulse control, according to Dr. Gail Gross, Human Behavior, Parenting and Education Expert. CASAs can help get kids into a stable homes faster.
Placing the CASA child in a safe and permanent home is a primary tenet of CASA of the Tenth’s mission, further emphasizing how critical a stable environment is to the child’s likelihood of becoming a healthy, productive member of society.
National CASA research reveals that children with CASA involvement spend an average of eight fewer months in foster care, compared to those without a CASA—so these kids are getting to their “safe and permanent” home more quickly.
Because CASAs represent just one child (or sibling group) instead of dozens—like many overburdened attorneys and caseworkers—they can gather and provide the Judge the right information at the right time. This ensures more agile and accelerated decisions on the child’s behalf to help place him or her into a stable living environment as soon as possible.
Likewise, children thrive and feel more stable and secure when they have a committed adult in their life. Sometimes, a CASA is the only consistent adult presence—the person who attends the important events and activities, encourages the dreams and supports the big decisions. This can promote successful academics, stable mental health and sound social development.
CASA Cathy Dare advocated for her child by also educating the mother. She helped mom understand how guardianship would allow her and her child to maintain their relationship while giving the child a more stable home environment that would allow new experiences, growth and success.