CASA of the High Plains

Specific Need

In our counties in the 23rd Judicial District, there are roughly 10-12 new Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases filed monthly where a child, and or children in the case of siblings, have been removed from their homes due to neglect and/or abuse.

Based on our current program size, per Office of Judicial Administration and National CASA standards, CASA of the High Plains can support a caseload of only twenty cases. Our five dedicated CASA advocates are carrying that load to capacity. Each advocate stays assigned to the child/children until the case reaches permanency, which means the child has been placed in a safe and appropriate home. In 2024, CASA of the High Plains saw 5 cases successfully reach closure. With each case that we serve in our community, there remain CINC cases which our CASA program simply cannot support. This is why our vision is so vital - we must build program capacity or there will be children left without the necessary support and guidance our program offers.

Our specific need is to grow the capacity of CASA of the High Plains so that we CAN assign a CASA advocate to every Child in Need of Care (CINC) case in the 23rd Judicial District. Our goal is to reach that vision by 2028. Please help us achieve that dream so that every child who has experienced neglect and/or abuse can find a safe and nurturing permanent home.

Mission

CASA of the High Plains, Inc., as a nationally recognized program, advocates in the best interests of abused and neglected children by following State and National CASA and the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA) Standards to meet the needs of each court assigned child and family. CASA assists the 23rd Judicial District of Kansas in obtaining for these children the most permanent, safe, and homelike placement possible, in a sensitive and expedient manner.

Profile

Who We Are

CASA as a nationally recognized program advocates in the best interests of abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes and placed in the custody of Child Protective Services. Our local program, CASA of the High Plains, assists the 23rd Judicial District of Kansas, which includes the counties of Ellis, Rooks, Trego, and Gove, in obtaining the most permanent, safe, and homelike placement possible in a sensitive and expedient manner.

What We Do

CASA of the High Plains empowers children through advocacy, support, guidance, and collaboration. We advocate for children, ensuring their voices are heard in court and securing safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. CASA volunteers gather vital information, make recommendations to the court, and stand by children as they navigate the foster care system. CASA volunteers provide consistent emotional support, making sure that children feel valued, heard, and cared for during difficult transitions. Our advocates build trust and offer stability, serving as a reliable presence in a child’s life. We guide children through the complexities of the foster care system, helping them understand the process and the steps being taken on their behalf. By breaking down legal jargon and offering clarity, CASA volunteers empower children with knowledge and reassurance. We collaborate in close partnership with legal professionals, social workers, and families to ensure the best outcomes for children. CASA volunteers are part of a dedicated team focused on the child’s well-being, safety, and future.