Statements

Mission

We advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the court system. Based on the belief that all children are entitled to a safe and permanent home, Williamson County CASA, Inc. works in the court system, through trained community volunteers, in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources to serve as the child's advocate and represent the child in juvenile court. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Background

Williamson County CASA, Inc. was chartered in 1993 to help children who have been abused and neglected in Williamson County, Tennessee. The goal of Williamson County CASA is to act as the voice for the child. The program provides specialized training for community volunteers who are appointed by the Williamson County Juvenile Court to advocate on behalf of the best interest of each abused and neglected child. Volunteers are trained to complete detailed research (through talking to teachers, family members, and most importantly, the child, as well as other information and fact gathering) and report back to the Juvenile Court judge. These reports aid in the ultimate goal of finding the child a safe, permanent home. All volunteers receive 33 hours of face-to-face training by court officers, judges, therapists, and/or referees. Training also includes one day of observation in the Williamson County Juvenile Court. After the volunteers are sworn in by the Judge, they shadow an advocate mentor (an experienced advocate.) Advocates typically carry no more than two cases at a time in order to devote detailed attention to each case.

Impact

Williamson County CASA has been serving Williamson County since 1993 and during that time we have advocated for over 2,800 children. These are children who could have otherwise been lost in the court system, left in abusive situations, incarcerated, failed to thrive in school, and/or run away. During FY 2020/2021, 90 volunteers carried at least one case and advocated for 410 children in the county to find a safe, healthy, and permanent home and family. Williamson County CASA has experienced substantial program growth over the past few years. Our total number of advocates has grown from 9 in 2005 to 90 in 2021. In order to increase our presence within the community, we are continuously working to recruit and train new and existing advocates, community volunteers, and board members. Our Board of Directors consists of 14 individuals diverse in experience and community outreach. Williamson County CASA had two successful fundraisers this past year. One in May that brought in over $105K and another one in October that brought in $25K. This year, Williamson County CASA staff will proactively seek opportunities to further educate our community about the issues facing our county's children as well as the mission of CASA. In the 29 years of service, Williamson County CASA has never had a waiting list for services provided. Through community outreach, individual support, and foundation support, we will continue to serve 100% of the abused and neglected children involved in the Williamson County Juvenile Court System. In order to meet our financial goals for the next year, we intend on utilizing our growing board and donor database to maintain current donations as well as generate new ones. Our ultimate goal is to maintain stability and guarantee future growth of the organization. We will do this primarily through community engagement and committed support from both volunteers and donors. We are also embarking on a new strategic plan with The Macfarlan Group. The WCCASA strategic plan moves the mission forward wit the following core components serving as a foundation to the individual goals created, their intended impact, and the timing of the implementation of the plan to maximize the effectiveness of the organization: Diversity within the stakeholders of the organization, Long Term Financial Planning, Employee Value Development, Fundraising Development and Marketing. Additionally, we have partnered with a large local church and other organizations to promote all services offered to the county's vulnerable children. Through this partnership, we have gained several new advocates and the county has gained several new foster families. Our goal is to continue to utilize the National CASA campaign, "Change A Child's Story. ™" We utilize a complete volunteer database to track all case activity and continue to seek opportunities to inform citizens and community leaders. We implement the use of a Facility Dog to assist children in the court process. The dog has been an asset to the program as an additional offering to the children we serve. Upon request, Rocklin can attend court with a child, visit the child in school, and we give children a book about Rocklin and his job to help them prepare for what will happen in court.

Needs

Referrals continue to rise at a 25-30% increase each year. Our greatest need is staff and volunteers sufficient to serve the overwhelming demand of children needing advocacy. Community awareness that abuse and neglect does happen to the children of Williamson County and in a startling amount of families. Opportunities to train more advocates. With the rising tide of referrals, we will need to offer more training classes to accommodate more schedules, thereby increasing the numbers of advocates serving children. Involvement from community influencers. Volunteers with specific expertise that may not be suited, or may not have time, to providing advocacy for children. (Information Technology experts, attorneys, graphic designers, public relations, administrative professionals, etc.)

CEO Statement

All children deserve to be in a safe and permanent home. When children enter the juvenile court system they depend on that system to make decisions that will help this goal become a reality. What we don't want to happen is for children to become trapped in a cycle within that system that prevents rather than promotes permanency, where children spend much of their time moving from one temporary home to another. When CASA is appointed in a case, the volunteer's role is to step in to advocate for the child within the court system, ensuring that they move more quickly into a permanent situation. CASA volunteers are appointed by the judge to recommend resources to ensure the best possible outcomes for children. Our vision at CASA is that every child be in a safe and permanent home so that is the goal for which we are always striving. CASA volunteers are trained to review records, research information and talk to everyone involved in the case including social workers, school personnel, attorneys, judges, parents and other family members as well as the children themselves. The volunteer then presents their recommendation to the court focusing on what they believe to be in the best interest of the child. In Williamson County, CASA works closely with court staff, attorneys and the Department of Children's Services to explore resources for children and their families. The Juvenile Court Judge relies heavily on the information from the CASA report to make informed decisions that impact the child's future. While many professionals are involved in the child's life, the CASA is the person who remains constant throughout the process.

Board Chair Statement

Williamson County CASA, Inc. served 410 abused and neglected children last year. When a child enters the juvenile court system, if he or she is dependent, neglected or abused, the Juvenile Judge appoints them a CASA volunteer. From that point forward, the child has an adult advocating for their best interests and helps the Judge make informed decisions for them. As an attorney, I have always appreciated the work CASA does to help the vulnerable and truly innocent victims of child abuse who are caught up in our court system. It is a cause that rises above all political, religious, or any other type of difference, and is one that all members of the community can get behind. I have had the privilege of serving for the past five years as a Board Member, and now serve as President. During my term on the Board, I have seen our organization grow and improve in many ways. We have increased our volunteer base to take on more cases, recruited highly talented staff, successfully fundraised to shore up our finances and strengthened our Board with caring community leaders. Last year, we moved into a new office which is more visible and has already helped us build our brand and better serve our kids. We intend to maintain the positive momentum and continue to help the children of our community. We cannot serve our children without the overwhelming support of our volunteers, staff and community. We are grateful for all of the financial and volunteer support that we receive. We intend to continue to set and achieve high goals. Our goals are focused on reducing the abuse and neglect of our children in our community.

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Civil Rights, Social Action, Advocacy  - Children's Rights
Secondary Category:	Human Services  - Victims' Services
Tertiary Category:	Crime & Legal - Related  - Child Abuse Prevention

Areas Served

Williamson County CASA serves all communities within Williamson County.

TN - Williamson