When we talk about child welfare reform, we shouldn’t shy away from issues of disproportionality and institutionalized oppression, as both are prevalent, present, and deserving of dialogue. One area of conversation I’ve noted of late is with CASA programs. CASA’s are Court Appointed Special Advocates who make recommendations to the court on behalf of the child’s best interest. More often than not, CASA volunteers are well-meaning individuals who give their time to help children. But, many CASA programs lack training and even perspective on cultural sensitivity or humility, reflection on personal bias, or the impacts of trauma. Driving this conversation are often attorney’s, who’ve been watching over time as courts are often apt to listen more intently to the recommendations of a CASA, even if the final decision may facilitate an unjust outcome for their clients.
Follow here for an interesting read from the Cuny Law Review discussing the role of the CASA and its contributions to structural racism, however kindly intentioned.
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