CASA of Rochester-Monroe County Inc

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Rochester/Monroe County is a private, non-profit organization that trains and supervises a diverse group of volunteers to advocate for the best interests of children who have been neglected and abused. These children have been removed or are at risk of being removed from their homes. CASA's goal is that all children have a safe permanent home as soon as possible. Family Court judges assign a CASA volunteer to work on behalf of a child and family. Volunteers are trained to advocate for the best interests of the assigned children, and frequently facilitate access to additional services for them and their families. CASAs also report back to court information gathered on the children and their involved parents, identifying barriers and opportunities. (Continued on Schedule O)As advocates, CASAs strongly recommend the prioritization of resources for these vulnerable children and families to promote an equitable outcome.CASA is a single program and part of the National CASA model, meeting all standards. Our cases are assigned by the seven sitting Family Court Judges and in 2024 we engaged in significant marketing efforts to attract more CASA volunteers and visibility. We sought to rebuild the caseload we had experienced pre-pandemic. This past year we served 85 children in 33 families, half of the volume of 2 years prior. 80% of the children were served primarily by one of the 23 volunteer advocates. To grow the program, additional trained volunteers are needed with strong supervisory supports. These efforts to rebuild were confounded by the retirement of a long-term Executive Director in November of 2023, with a new ED who resigned in February 2024 and another new ED was brought on in April 2024 and has left one year later. The dedicated advocates and staff have continued to passionately pursue our mission serving the children. The advocacy work we do while the case is open has a substantial impact on the children and their families. About 69% of the families served by CASA of Rochester/Monroe County are ultimately reunified. In addition, 11% of the cases closed with a custody order to a relative or fictive kin. Remarkably, less than 1% of closed cases need to be reopened within two years. Accomplishments for the program include:- Increase in revenue through increased CASANYS Contract, Legislative member item grants focused on capacity and growth, a 3-year United Way Impact grant, and events.- An increase in visibility and active, targeted recruitment of a diverse group of advocates is critical to increased capacity. A Special Projects grant through CASANYS focused on recruitment and marketing including billboards, RTS bus-stop posters and related materials. We have seen an increase (50%) in the volunteer inquiries in the quarter following these efforts.- The Advocate Coordinator position has been vacant for the past year while leadership has been in transition. The program is actively recruiting for the position. Increased presence on social media and community-based events has boosted the interest in our volunteer opportunity. To grow the program, we must recruit, train and assign more advocates.- Additionally, there are non-advocate volunteers contributing their time and talents serving on our Board, committees, and at events.- The new National CASA Standards have resulted in updated policies and procedures. We also refreshed our training curriculum in addition to the three Flex Pre-Service training series each year as part of our retention plan and to meet standards.Some key NYS CASA Outcomes, which encompass those of Monroe County, include:- 95% of children received one or more services advocated for by CASA- 97% had their medical needs met, including 93% for mental health services- 92% of children who were in need of an IEP or 504 plan received the necessary services or parties were notified- 94% attended school at least 90% of the time or obstacles were identified/parties notifiedThis program is supported by grants and contributions.