Washington State Association of CASA/GAL Programs
The mission of Washington State CASA is to support member CASA/GAL programs in providing trained volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system.
Description:
Washington State CASA (WaCASA) provides a strong foundation for local CASA programs, promoting growth and increased effectiveness of representation for children in dependency by providing and facilitating services in four areas: recruitment, training,technical assistance, and partnerships.
When CASA programs recruit and retain CASA volunteers,
they create a group of independent, trained citizen advocates whose top priority is to safely minimize the amount of time that children spend in the dependency system.
WaCASA provides training for volunteers and program staff, helping to foster highly competent volunteers who investigate cases and make recommendations to the court, ultimately lessening the time that children spend in the child welfare and dependency systems.
Local CASA programs rely on WaCASA for technical
assistance, which increases the efficiency of their programs and the number of dependent children they can serve.
WaCASA also fosters strong partnerships with other organizations.
History:
On January 10, 1977, King County Superior Court Judge David Soukup organized a Court Appointed Special Advocate program to speak for children in dependency and custody cases. Specially trained volunteers represent children who are caught up in the court system. These volunteers are known as CASAs. The program has grown from its grass-roots beginning and spread across the country and now, there are CASA programs throughout the nation. In Washington, CASA programs are organized in 35 counties.
Washington State CASA began in 1988, when local CASA program managers decided to form a statewide network for training and communication. The Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Contact person: Kati Ortiz, Office Manager, (email)
Office fax number: (206) 667-9753
Address:
 |
603 Stewart St. #206Seattle, WA 98101(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.washingtonstatecasa.org
Directions:
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From I-5 south exit at the Olive Way exit, turning right and then right again on Bellevue. Turn right on 8th Street, left on Stewart, 603 Stewart is at the corner of 6th and Stewart. From I-5 north exit at Stewart Street and continue to 6th. There is parking in a lot next to the building.
Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Westlake Center,
Walk distance (in minutes): 5
Nearest Bus Stop: Westlake Center, 5 minute walk |
| Last updated on March 12, 2009 |
