Public Policy

In addition to supporting a network of more than 1,000 CASA program offices, the National CASA Association advocates for abused and neglected children on the national level by working with elected officials and government agencies, and by partnering with other national child welfare organizations.

National CASA Works With Congress to Pass Landmark Foster Care Reform

When the Fostering Connections to Success Act was signed into law in October 2008, members of the CASA network cheered for the generations of children who will benefit—and celebrated their success in contributing to the passage of this sweeping legislation.

Passed by both houses of Congress with unanimous, bipartisan support, the act will provide a series of building blocks to help hundreds of thousands of children and youth in foster care each year. National CASA played a significant role in educating members of Congress about the legislation, and about the importance of supporting youth in care up to age 21 so they can pursue education and training opportunities that are the foundation of future success.

The portion of the new legislation that affects older youth will take effect October 1, 2010.

Read more about the Fostering Connections to Success Act.

Related Resources

Chronology of Major Federal Legislation Impacting Children Served by Court Appointed Special Advocates

Podcasts

Facing Foster Care in Alaska: In this National CASA podcast, former foster youth Amanda Metivier and Alaska State Director Marion Hallum discuss Facing Foster Care in Alaska, a foster youth advocacy program. Listen using the audio player below.