CASA provides best-interest advocacy for children as reflected in these guiding principles which recognize the importance of family preservation and reunification, equity, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. (National CASA/GAL Local Program Standard 2)
- We recognize the importance of family preservation and/or reunification.
- It is in a child’s best interest to remain with their family of origin whenever safely possible.
- Our program acknowledges that children experience trauma when separated from their family of origin.
- If a child is removed from their family of origin, it is in the child’s best interest to be reunified with their family of origin as soon as safely possible.
- If a child is removed from their family of origin, it is in the child’s best interest to be placed with a relative as the next best option whenever safely possible.
- Strengthening families, through recommendations for services, supports, visitation and communications, is in the child’s best interest to achieve stability and/or reunification.
- Our program requires and demonstrates respect for the parents and all parties associated with the case.
- Our program ensures that information regarding the family’s strengths is incorporated into reports to the court.
- Our program ensures that information regarding the child’s wishes is incorporated into reports to the court.
- Only when a court determines a child cannot be safely reunified with their family of origin in a reasonable timeframe, is another permanent placement is in a child’s best interest.
- We recognize the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.
All children regardless of age, race, ethnicity, national origin (ancestry), color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability or physical challenge should be safe, have a permanent home and an opportunity to thrive.
- Our program acknowledges the existence of implicit bias and takes steps to minimize and/or eliminate implicit bias.
- Our program is committed to demonstrating an understanding of disproportionality impacting children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
- We recognize the importance of collaboration.
Our program cooperates and coordinates with other volunteer and public service agencies, the courts, community groups, families and individuals to:
- Improve services for individual children and their families.
- Advocate for needed change in the conditions which adversely affect the children served.
National CASA Anti-Discrimination Policy
"There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability in the employment of application for employment or in the administration or delivery of services. This organization shall comply fully with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, executive orders and regulations that prohibit such discrimination."
