Lassen Family Services was recently awarded a $3,500 grant award from U.S. Bank for general operating support of the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program. Lassen CASA provides specially trained advocates to represent abused and neglected youth, ages 1-19, in the County’s juvenile dependency system.
“Each year over 600,000 children in the United States become victims of child abuse and neglect and are placed in the juvenile dependency (foster care) system,” said Executive Director Becky Brewster. “Many have witnessed domestic violence and others have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Frightened, confused, and struggling with feelings of fear and rejection, these children often struggle academically and are at risk of falling behind.”
The Lassen Superior Court appoints CASA advocates trained and supervised by Lassen CASA to advocate for the best interests of the child in placement, education, mental and medical health, and permanency decisions.
Approximately 105 children and youth are currently in Lassen County’s dependency system. The award from U.S. Bank will help sustain Lassen CASA operations by meeting current need and building capacity to ensure sufficient numbers of trained advocates are ready to meet future numbers of children in the juvenile dependency system.
