In honor of National Reunification Month celebrated in June, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) celebrates volunteers who work hard to identify family strengths to reunite separated families. At CASA of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, we are grateful to our 143 active volunteers for their involvement in advocating for children’s best interest. CASA volunteers work with other professionals to identify and recommend services and support aimed at reuniting families whenever possible. We know children do best when they can safely remain with their parents or with other family members. That’s why CASA volunteers commit to strengthening families in their ability to care for and protect their children.
A guiding principle for the National CASA/GAL member network of 941 state organizations and local programs is the recognition of the importance of family preservation and/or reunification. The 2020 National CASA/GAL Standards for Local Programs states:
— It is in a child’s best interests to remain with their family of origin when safely possible;
— The program acknowledges that children experience trauma when separated from their family of origin; and
— If a child is removed from their family of origin, it is in the child’s best interests to be reunified with their family of origin as soon as safely possible.
CASA volunteers tend to be assigned to the most difficult and complex cases being adjudicated; cases with extensive child welfare involvement over time. Since our inception locally, 274 of CASA case closures were the result of reunification with parents or primary caretakers. Furthermore, of the 274 adoptions CASA Volunteers advocated for, 42% of those adoptions were with family members. Placing children with relatives helps to maintain family connections and cultural traditions that can minimize the trauma of family separation and relieve the anxieties that come with traditional foster placements. Reunified families that restore children and youth to their family of origin are an inspiration because they have overcome difficulties and are equipped with tools to address future challenges.
For more information about how you can become a CASA volunteer and advocate for children’s best interests, please sign up to attend an information session. Becoming a CASA In-Person Information Session will be held Thursday, June 27, 5:30-6:30 pm, and Becoming a CASA Virtual Information Session will be held Wednesday, July 10, 5:30-6:30 pm. Learn more and register for either session by visiting www.casalancleb.org or calling 717- 286-1430.
