Education Advocacy
Why Educational Advocacy Is Critical
- Youth in foster care often experience school disruption and academic gaps
- Trauma can affect learning, memory, and concentration
- Youth in foster care often face higher suspension/expulsion rates and lower graduation rates
- CASA volunteers can sometimes be appointed as the educational rights holder for the child
A CASA that has been granted educational rights for their assigned youth will
- Work with teachers, counselors, and administrators
- Attend school meetings (IEP, 504 Plans, etc)
- Facilitate communication between school, social workers, and service providers
- Monitor whether court orders and service plans are being followed
- Report educational progress and needs to the court
- CASA volunteers provide independent, child-focused recommendations to the court to support nthe youth's academic success
