Our mission is to facilitate the safe, permanent placement of abused and neglected Delaware County children who have been adjudicated "dependent" by the court system because they lack proper parental care. Our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers investigate each child client's unique needs and circumstances and then submit reports to the Dependency Court that include recommendations regarding their best interests. CASA Youth Advocates, Inc. serves children ages birth to 18 who have experienced abuse or neglect at the hands of a parent or other caregiver and have been adjudicated dependent by the Delaware County Dependency Court. They come from a variety of socioeconomic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Most of our child clients have experienced out-of-home placements. Many have had to cope with multiple losses and separations. The vast majority also experience mental illness, developmental delays, chronic health problems, and/or other disabilities. In some cases, their conditions have been exacerbated by - even caused by - abuse or neglect. Because such children are at greater risk for repeated victimization, CASA representation is especially important. In 2007, CASA advocated for 129 children, on 56 cases with 64 active volunteers 25 new volunteers were sworn in during 2007 CASA volunteers contributed over 9,200 hours of service during 2007 Our single most important resource is the special group of committed, caring people who become CASAs. The CASA model is founded upon the belief that community members from all walks of life can be trained to advocate on behalf of children who find themselves caught up in the child welfare system. Since 1991, approximately 265 individuals have served as Court-Appointed Special Advocates in Delaware County because they wanted our community's children to have safer, happier, more productive lives. They have helped facilitate referrals for needed services and supports, as well as prevented children from languishing in foster care. Many times, they were the friendly, caring adult who took the time to get to know a child who desperately needed to be understood. Learn more about volunteering at CASA