Oklahoma CASA

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the proposed project is to strengthen CASA (Court Appointed special Advocate) programs in the state of Oklahoma and to increase their capacity to recruit, screen, train and supervise community advocates who represent the best interests of children adjudicated deprived due to abuse and neglect. Through this project, Oklahoma CASA seeks to 1) upgrade aging computer technology statewide to support Windows 11 and ensure future functionality, 2) provide Bayometric software and scanners statewide, enabling CASA programs to more easily meet new federal fingerprinting requirements for criminal background checks on new and existing CASA volunteers, and 3) implement a statewide awareness campaign aimed at volunteer recruitment to ensure a voice in court for abused and neglected children. These needs coincide with revenue decreases during 2020 and 2021, therefore Oklahoma CASA seeks assistance with these one-time capacity building needs. (Full project description and cost breakdown is included with uploaded supporting information).

EVIDENCE

A number of research studies have been conducted related to the effectiveness of CASA in abuse and neglect cases. Areas of evidenced based study include addressing trauma, impact in the courts, well-being, family reunification and permanency, etc. A summary of National CASA?s ?Research Supporting Effectiveness of CASA/GAL Best Interest Advocacy? is included in the attached supporting information.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children who are wards of the court due to abuse and neglect. Support received through this proposal will increase the ability of CASA programs across the state to provide advocacy to this vulnerable child population. The pandemic impacted child victims of abuse and neglect, those both known and unknown to the child welfare system. Without the safety net of child care programs and schools, family violence otherwise detectable remained hidden. The late intervention and stressors within these families, compounded by the pandemic, has led to more complex and difficult cases. For children already placed in foster care, needed services for both them and their families were disrupted, family visitation difficult, and court backlogs due to closures has created delays in case resolution, including placement in a safe and permanent home.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The fulfillment of reporting requirements is standard operating procedure at Oklahoma CASA, and the organization will provide data pertaining to the results of activities specified in this application and meet financial reporting requirements. As related to awareness activities aimed at volunteer recruitment, Oklahoma CASA will use Google Analytics and Facebook pixel data to ensure maximum reach, as well as tracking potential advocate inquiries data by geographic program area.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding