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OUR HISTORY

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In 1977, a Seattle juvenile court judge had concerns that he was making drastic decisions for children and families without sufficient information. He conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of children in the courtroom to ensure he was getting all the facts and the long-term welfare of each child was represented. His pilot program has grown into a network of nearly 1,000 CASA programs across the country.

 

CASA arrived in Multnomah County in 1986 and has grown to one of the largest and longest serving CASA organizations in the nation. Under the leadership of Judge Stephen B. Herrell, the pilot was so successful; the Oregon Legislature passed a law mandating that every abused and neglected child in protective custody is entitled to the help of a CASA volunteer. In 1998, CASA of Multnomah County merged with CASA of Washington County, and with CASA of Columbia County in 2015. Most recently in 2022, Tillamook County joined the agency to become CASA for Children of Multnomah, Washington, Columbia & Tillamook Counties.

 

Today we serve Oregon’s largest group of children who are in protective custody of the court.

There are over 4,000 children living in the foster care system within these counties alone.

 

The role of  local CASA for Children programs is to recruit, train and support the volunteers who work with the children in their communities. Since 1986, our CASA volunteers have helped over 25,000 children find a safe and permanent home.

 

Read the Oregon CASA Statute: 419B.112 Oregon Revised CASA Statute.

ABOUT CASA

When a child who has experienced abuse and neglect is going through the trauma of the court system, a CASA is tirelessly working to guide them through safely, quickly, and effectively.

DONATE NOW

Donate now online, it’s a safe and secure way to give. Your support will help children in our community who have experienced abuse or neglect find safe, permanent homes.

BECOME AN ADVOCATE

We need volunteers more than ever to help a child find a safe, permanent home. Become a CASA and make a lasting difference in the life of a child.

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