Boston CASA Hosts Open House to Celebrate Impact in Supporting At-Risk Youth
WHAT: Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will host an open house at their new headquarters to celebrate their growing impact in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties and showcase their expanded capacity to support children in vulnerable circumstances.
With judges and legislative leaders in attendance, this open house provides an opportunity for media to witness firsthand the collaborative effort needed to support foster youth in Massachusetts. Interview key judges and legislators about the importance of court-appointed special advocates, and hear both success stories and ongoing challenges facing youth in foster care. Please let me know if you're interested in attending.
WHO: The event will feature remarks from distinguished speakers, including:
Terry Craven, Recall Judge and Former First Justice of Suffolk, County Juvenile Court
Bryan Ganz, President and CEO, Byrna Technologies
El’Asia Williams, Foster Youth and Youth Advisory Board Member, Boston CASA
Erin Margolius, Court Appointed Special Advocate, Boston CASA
Boston CASA Executive Director Nicole Stewart will also be onsite and will speak to the organization's current impact and future plans to serve more youth who have experienced abuse and neglect.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Doors open: 5:30 p.m. (best time for 1:1 interviews)
Speaking program: 6 p.m.
Event concludes: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Boston CASA, 151 Merrimac St #200 Boston, MA 02114
WHY: As students head back to school this fall, thousands of vulnerable children in Massachusetts face unique educational challenges that underscore the critical need for consistent advocacy. Only 50% of foster youth graduate from high school, and just 3-4% earn a four-year college degree. Nearly 50% experience homelessness by age 26, and 70% are arrested at least once by the same age.
Boston CASA is working to change these outcomes by providing Court Appointed Special Advocates for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. The organization supports more than 300 children and youth each year, but can currently serve only 15% of eligible children in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties due to capacity limitations.
This event highlights Boston CASA's expansion and the critical need for more advocates. Research shows that just one consistent adult can alter a child's life trajectory. Children with a CASA experience fewer placement disruptions, better school attendance, and are significantly more likely to find safe, lasting homes. Most notably, reentry into foster care after reunification, adoption, or guardianship is reduced by half. From judicial perspectives: 92% of judges say CASAs improve long-term outcomes, 83% say CASAs help ensure children access critical services, and 80% say CASAs promote psychological well-being.
For more information, please visit: https://bostoncasa.org/
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ABOUT BOSTON CASA: Boston CASA recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect, most of whom end up in foster care. Unlike mentors, CASAs work within the child welfare system, advocating directly in court and alongside DCF to ensure children in foster care receive the support, stability, and services they need. Research shows that just one consistent adult can change a child's trajectory—help us be that difference. Volunteer, donate, or support our mission at www.bostoncasa.org. #ChangeAChildsStory
Image provided by Boston CASA.