2009-1510-Minutes for Meeting October 14,2009 Recorded 11/2/2009DESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL RECORDS
COMNANCY SSIONERSSHJOURNALNTY CLERK CJ 1009-510
i I10211009 02:37:07 PM
I IIII II I
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statement, in accordance with ORS 205.244:
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Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.orc
MINUTES OF WORK SESSION
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2009
Present were Commissioners Dennis R. Luke and Alan Unger; Commissioner
Tammy Baney was out of the office. Also present were Dave Kanner, County
Administrator; Erik Kropp, Deputy County Administrator; media representative
Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin; and three other citizens.
Vice Chair Luke opened the meeting at 1: 30 p. m.
1. Update from the FQHC's (Federally Qualified Health Clinics).
Charla DeHate of Mosaic Medical said the organization used to be Ochoco
Community Clinic in Prineville. The Bend and Madras clinics were then
added, and to avoid confusion, the group became Mosaic Medical not long ago.
The Bend Extension Project received federal funding for $504,000 for capital
improvements to expand the existing clinic. A new pediatrician will be added
now, and another in June. Anyone can be a client regardless of income. The
grant includes assistance to people who need to navigate the health care system.
The grant covers about 37% of their overhead, and helps with people who are
uninsured or underinsured. It is a two-year grant, and the hope is that it will be
renewed at that point.
The other piece right now is to get more children registered for medical care.
They are writing grants at this time to cover the development of additional
programs for patient care and to obtain the appropriate software. She said that
the numbers are growing due to the current economy, and there is just not
enough care available, especially in Prineville and Madras. The numbers are
fluctuating between 400 and 500.
Another consideration is the crossover from physical health to behavioral
health. A group has been working on this aspect for some time.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Page 1 of 4 Pages
Chance Steffey of La Pine Community Health Clinic observed that there is a
lack of mental health services in the area. A mental health practitioner is paid
about one-third of the amount paid to a health practitioner. Commissioner
Unger observed that mental health care takes a lot longer to accomplish. It
seems that in the process of developing things over time, parts of the body were
given more "value" than mental health.
Commissioner Luke asked if they have clients from other counties. Mr. Steffey
indicated that they have clients from Lake and Klamath counties. It has been
difficult to get a mental health practitioner for Klamath County, especially one
to serve Gilchrist and Crescent. Also, staffing is always a concern, as there is
not always a qualified person living in a particular area. This can cause
problems with efficiency. In addition, people need ongoing education about
mental health concerns.
He said that one issue is the new electronic health plan records management
system and being able to tie into it. Cash flow is always a problem. It is hard to
learn something new at the same time you are trying to provide services.
The group then discussed the upcoming flu season and the impact of the H1N1
flu virus, and how vaccines are being distributed and administered. It was
explained that the County has done a good job in preparing and educating the
media and the public, and employees have protocols in place. They are getting
many calls about the flu.
Commissioner Unger indicated that he would like to have a bigger, better look
at the health care system in the County, the relationship between the various
agencies and ideas on how to make the system work better.
He was invited to attend the next meeting of La Pine Community Health Care
group scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 6:30 p.m. in La Pine. Ms. DeHate
said that Mosaic Medical is not meeting this month but will advise of the
following month's meeting.
2. Update from CASA of Central Oregon.
Pam Fourtier of Court Appointed Special Advocates gave an example of a case
she handled. She explained that most people do not know what neglect and
abuse really are until they get involved in this kind of program.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Page 2 of 4 Pages
She said that someone from CASA is appointed at the time of the emergency
shelter hearing, when the children are first brought into the system. The Oregon
Department of Human Services feels family is best in most cases, so a relative
may be asked to step in. CASA is the one consistent factor for children through
all this; the representative goes to every meeting and hearing, and is required to
report. She added that 225 cases were handled in Deschutes County in 2008,
and that volunteers took part in 1,300 hours of training last year.
Federal law requires that a decision be made within a year's time as to whether
a child goes into permanent foster care, back to the family or be available for
adoption. CASA keeps track of the laws and the timeframe in these cases.
The bad news is that there are cases with no volunteers available. Mr. Kanner
added that there was a chronic problem with recruiting and retaining these
volunteers where he used to live. Ms. Fourtier said that there is attrition due to
illness, moving, employment and so on, and they lose about twenty volunteers a
year. They have to constantly be training and recruiting. Some of their
volunteers are in the 20 to 30 year old range, while others are seniors.
Mr. Kanner reminded the Board that if the courts are not happy with a CASA
representative, the County has to provide this service through its Juvenile
Justice Department.
Ms. Fourtier added that there are sometimes questions about why a child should
have an attorney and a CASA representative. The reason is that the CASA
representative is consistent throughout the entire event and looks out for the
best interests of the child during that time.
The group then discussed more about CASA's background and what CASA
handles on a national basis.
3. Update of Commissioners' Meetings and Schedules.
Susan Ross said that she would bring revised loan documents to the Board soon
regarding two pieces of property that were sold and financed by the County.
One is with the Four Winds Foundation.
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Page 3 of 4 Pages
Commissioner Unger stated that he is attending the Oregon Consortium work
board meeting in Astoria on October 15.
It was pointed out that the Attorney General is attending the Bend Chamber of
Commerce breakfast meeting on Friday, October 16, regarding small business
assistance.
4. Other Items.
None were offered.
Being no further items addressed, the meeting adjourned at 3:05 p. m.
DATED this 14th Day of October 2009 for the Deschutes County Board
of Commissioners.
ATTEST:
Recording Secretary
Tammy B ney, Chair
Dennis R. Luke, Vice Chair
- lv_a~
Alan Unger, Commissioner
Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Page 4 of 4 Pages
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners
1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960
(541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org
WORK SESSION AGENDA
DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
1:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2009
Update from the FQHC's (Federally Qualified Health Clinics) -
• Charla Deflate, Mosaic Medical
• Chance Steffey, La Pine Community Health Clinic
2. Update from CASA of Central Oregon - Pam Fourtier
3. Update of Commissioners' Meetings and Schedules
4. Other Items
PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting, an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real
property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h), pending or threatened litigation; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues
Meeting dates, times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board of Commissioners' meeting rooms at
1300 NW Wall St., Bend, unless otherwise indicated
If you have questions regarding a meeting, please call 388-6572.
Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible.
Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.
For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service for TTY.
Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information.
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TMCASk
Court Appointed Special Advocates
FOR CHILDREN
September 29, 2009
Dear Commissioner Luke:
CASA of Central Oregon
A nonprofit organization serving children of Central Oregon
1130 NW Harriman St., Suite 122 • Bend, OR 97701
Bend Office: Tel. (541) 389-1618 • Fax (541) 383-2826
The Board and Staff of CASA of Central Oregon invite you to an event marking the
accomplishments of CASA advocacy in Central Oregon and honoring the many
volunteers who are such a vital part of our program. Our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
is set for October 19th from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Redmond Senior Center located at 325
NW Dogwood Ave., Redmond.
2008 ACCOMPLISMIENTS:
✓ 36 new CASAs were sworn in
✓ 79 CASAs advocated for 307 children in our tri-county area. Active volunteers
dedicated over 3,000 reported hours and 22,000 miles of driving to advocate for
their CASA children.
✓ 1,300 hours devoted to training (includes initial training and monthly on-going
training)!
✓ Over 225 court reports were submitted over the course of the year in Deschutes
County!
✓ 120 children's cases were successfully closed in the Tri-County!
✓ Compared to the 2007 stats, CASA of Central Oregon volunteers served 94 more
children and increased our base of volunteers from 65 at the end of 2007 to 79 at
the end of 2008.
Community Partner
As someone who sees what CASA does everyday, I know you are aware that without
these folks, there would be no program, and these children would suffer the
consequences. We are hopeful that you will be able to join us for this celebration. Please
RSVP to the Bend office at 389-1618.
Sincerely,
Pam Fortier
Executive Director
0 CT - 9 2009
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ADMINISTRATION
BEND: (541) 389-1618 • MADRAS: (541) 475-9426 • PRINEVILLE: (541) 447-7220
www.casaofcentraloregon.org
•
CASW
Court Appointed Special Advocates
FOR CHILDREN
CASA of Central Oregon
A nonprofit organization serving children of Central Oregon
1130 NW Harriman St., Suite 122 • Bend, OR 97701
Bend Office: Tel. (541) 389-1618 • Fax (541) 383-2826
COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES
CASA - A STATE & FEDERALLY MANDATED PROGRAM
CASA Programs Statewide Leverage $4.50 for Each $1 of State General Funds
An Investment in CASA is an Investment in:
✓ Providing judges information needed to make critical decisions for children
✓ Increasing accountability of the child-welfare and court systems
✓ Reducing the number of children in long-term foster care
✓ Increasing educational advocacy and student achievement
✓ Connecting children with family and relatives
✓ Aligning children and families with appropriate services
✓ Providing children with hope and a plan for their future
Your dollars at work:
✓ Personnel - State, United Way, Grants
✓ Material & Services - United Way, County; Grants
✓ Volunteer Recruiting, Training, & Support - County, Grants, Fundraising
CASA of Central Oregon Report Card
2008 ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
✓ 36 new CASAs were sworn in
✓ 79 CASAs advocated for 307 children in our tri-county area. Active
volunteers dedicated over 3,000 reported hours and 22,000 miles of
driving to advocate for their CASA children.
✓ 1,300 hours devoted to training (includes initial training and monthly on-
going training)!
✓ Over 225 court reports were submitted over the course of the year in
Deschutes County!
✓ 120 children's cases were successfully closed in the Tri-County!
✓ Compared to the 2007 stats, CASA of Central Oregon volunteers served
94 more children and increased our base of volunteers from 66 at the end
of 2007 to 79 at the end of 2008.
Any Given Day 50 - 80 Children Are In Need of a CASA Volunteer
MADRAS: (541) 475-9426 • PRINEVILLE: (541) 447-7220 • WARM SPRINGS: (541) 553-2323
Community Partner
419A.170 Appointment; duties; immunity; access to information; CASA Fund;
rules. (1) In every case under ORS chapter 419B, the court shall appoint a court
appointed special advocate. The court appointed special advocate is deemed a
party in these proceedings, and in the furtherance thereof, may be represented by
counsel, file pleadings and request hearings and may subpoena, examine and
cross-examine witnesses. If the court appointed special advocate is represented
by couiisel, counsel shall be paid from funds available to the Court Appointed
Special Advocate Volunteer Program. No funds from the Public Defense Services
Account or Judicial Department operating ftuids may be used for this purpose.
(2) Subject to the direction of the court, the duties of the court appointed special
advocate are to:
(a) Investigate all relevant information about the case;
(b) Advocate for the child or ward, ensuring that all relevant facts are brought
before the court,
(c) Facilitate and negotiate to ensure that the court, Department of Human
Services, if applicable, and the child or ward's attorney, if any, fulfill their
obligations to the child or ward in a timely fashion, and
(d) Monitor all court orders to ensure compliance and to firing to the court's
attention any change in circumstances that may require a modification of the
court's order.
(3) If a juvenile court does not have available to it a C.ASA Volunteer Program, or
a sufficient number of qualified CASA volunteers, the court may, in fulfillment
of the requirements of this section., appoint a juvenile department employee or
other suitable person to represent the child or ward's interest in court pursuant
to ORS 419A.012 or 419B.195.
(4) Any person appointed as a court appointed special advocate in any judicial
proceeding on behalf of the child or ward is immune from any liability for
defamation or statements made in good faith 1-tv that person, orally or in waiting,
in the course of the case review or judicial proceeding.
(5) Any person appointed as a court appointed special advocate, CASA
Volunteer Program director, CASA Volunteer Program employee or member of
the board of directors or trustees of any CASA Volunteer Program is immune
from any liability for acts or omissions or errors in judgment made in good faith
in the course or scope of that person's duties or employment as part of a CASA
Volunteer Program.
(6) Whenever the court appoints a court appointed special advocate or other
person under subsections (1) to (3) of this section to represent the child or ward,
it may require a parent, if able, or guardian of the estate, if the estate is able, to
pay, in whole or in part, the reasonable costs of CASA services including
reasonable attorney fees. The court's order of payment is enforceable in the saute
manner as an order of support under ORS 419B.408.
(7) Upon presentation of the order of appointment by the court appointed
special advocate, any agency, hospital, school organization, division, office or
department of the state, doctor, nurse or other health care provider, psychologist,
psychiatrist, police department or mental health clinic shall permit the court
appointed special advocate to inspect and copy any records relating to the child
or ward involved in the case, without the consent of the child, ward or parents.
(8) All records and information acquired or reviewed by a court appointed
special advocate during the course of official duties are deemed confidential
under ORS 419A.255.
(9) For the purposes of a Child. Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C.
5101 et seq.) grant to this state under Public Law No. 93-247, or any related state
or federal legislation, a court appointed special. advocate or other person
appointed pursuant to subsections (1) to (3) of this section is deemed a guardian
ad litem to represent the interests of the child or ward in proceedings before the
court. Any provisions of this section and ORS 419B.035 and 419B.045 that cause
this state to lose federal funding are null and void.
(10) There is crated a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Fund in the
General Fund. The fiend consists of all moneys credited to it. Moneys in the
Court Appointed Special. Advocate Find are continuously appropriated to the
State Commission on Children and Families and may be used only to cariv, out
the purposes of this section. The commission may apple for and receive funds
from federal and private sources for carrying out the provisions of this section.
(11) The state commission may expend moneys from the Court Appointed
Special Advocate Fund directly or indirectly through contracts or grants for the
creation, supervision and operation of CASA Volunteer Programs statewide hi
accordance with. the provisions of ORS 419A.045 to 419A.048. The commission.
may also expend moneys from the Court Appointed Special Advocate Find to
pay the reasonable costs of its administration of the Court Appointed Special.
Advocate Fund. The commission shall adopt rules for carrying out its
responsibilities under this section and ORS 419B.035 and 41913.045. [1993 c.33 §44;
1993 c.546 §92;1993 c.676 §41; 1997 c.130 §12; 2001. c.962 §91; 2003 c.396 §§25,26;
2005 c.755 §35]
CASA of Central Oregon
Staff : Cases/Volunteers
2009 - Current
2010 - Projected
National CASA recommends a full time Volunteer Coordinator for every 45
cases and 30 volunteers. We provide three volunteer trainings per year. Due to
normal volunteer attrition attributed to moves out of the area, illness, or going
back to work, it is essential we maintain our training schedule. Each training
class has on the average 13 graduates. The following chart illustrates our current
staffing and the need for increased FTE. The projected 2010 growth is based on
three trainings, projected volunteer attrition (<20>), projected number of new
cases, and increased FTE.
CURRENT PROJECTED NEED
Current = 3 FTE
Ratio
2010 = 4 FTE
Ratio
FTE Staff Position
Cases / Volunteers
FTE Staff Position
Cases / Volunteers
1. Vol. Cord.
69 cases / 45
1. Vol_ Cord.
61 cases / 37
Deschutes Co.
Volunteers
Deschutes Co.
Volunteers
.5 Vol. Cord.
23 cases / 19
1. Vol. Cord.
61 cases / 37
Deschutes Co.
Volunteers
Deschutes Co.
Volunteers
.5 Vol. Cord.
38 cases / 9
.75 Vol. Cord.
49 cases / 14
Crook Co.
Volunteers
Crook Co.
Volunteers
.5 Vol. Cord.
24 cases / 6
.75 Vol. Cord.
39 cases / 10
Jefferson. Co.
Volunteers
Jefferson Co.
Volunteers
.5 Tech & Resource
Monthly newsletter,
.5 Tech & Resource
Monthly newsletter,
Dev. Assistant
website inngt, tech
Dev. Assistant
website mngt, tech
assistance
assistance, donor
n ngt.
FY 09/10 Budget
Program Name: CASA of Central Oregon
Period: 711/09 to 6130110
PROJECTED REVENUE Budget
Deschutes County Sources
CCF 47,116
United Way 27,000
Deschutes Co. Community Grant 30,000
Total Deschutes County Sources 104,116
Jefferson County Sources
CCF 16,250
United Way 500
Total Jefferson County Sources 16,750
Crook County Sources
CFF 16,250
United Fund(requested) 500
Total Crook County Sources 16,750
Combined County Sources
Oregon Community Foundation Grant 31,860 Remaining 2009 Grant; to be used by Dec. 31, 2009
Grants 25,500
Fundraising / Donations 37,500
Corporate/Business Sponsors 6,000
Total Combined County Sources 100,860
TOTAL Revenue
$ 238,476
PROJECTED EXPENSES
Budget
Payroll
Personnel
145,760
PR Taxes
10,203
Benefits
9,600
Total Payroll
165,563
Materials & Services
Advertising/PR
2,750
Bookkeeping/Accounting
2,800
Computer/Equip, Maint.
1,050
Conferences/Mtgs (Volunteer)
1,350
Contract Work
350
Fees & Taxes Non-Payroll
75
Insurance
4,000
Membership Dues & Fees
400
Mileage Reimbusement
5,500
Office Expense/Supplies
1,000
Office Equip/Furniture
1,100
Phone/Fax/Intemet
4,200
Postage
1,600
Printing/Copy
3,300
Rent
4,800
Special Events
5,300
Staff/Board Professional Development
5,100
Storage
5,000
Volunteer Recognition
1,200
Volunteer Training
4,650
Total Materials & Services
55,525
TOTAL Expenses
$ 221,088
Reserve
$ 17,388
M "CASA" - Court Appointed Special Advocates
Empowering Volunteers to Intervene in the
Generational Cycle of Child Abuse
C A S Q Keep CASA Funding Stable!!
Court Appointed Special Advocates
FOR CHILDREN
OREGON
CASA provides the State with the opportunity to increase State efficiencies in the
face of decreasing budgets:
✓ (CASAs) often provide information that is not available to the court from other sources"
"CAM Volunteers consistently maintain contact with the child better than other parties" Oregon Judicial Survey 2002
such as:
✓ All court participants benefit from CASAs' written reports. including Judges, attorneys and case
workers, thus improving everyone's comprehension of the case, and ability to be responsive to the child's true needs;
"CAM volunteers are far more likely than paid attorneys to file written reports.
✓ State resources aren't wasted especially those for therapeutic or rehabilitative services, because the CASA can
timely advise the Case Worker that currently assigned services aren't working or are inappropriate;
✓ CASAs' prevent unnecessary long term foster care or reentry to the system, through advocacy for
timely closure of cases, and careful evaluation of prospective placements.
✓ CASA is cheap, compared to any other intervention option: $30, 000 staffcost buys up to $216, 000
worth of volunteer advocacy in the juvenile justice system (1 FTE manages 30 CASAs)
✓ Cost to the state, per child Per year.
CASA $1500
Foster care
$19,000
The unintended consequences of cuts to CASA Funding:
✓ Children will spend more time in foster care, at $19.000 per child per year!
"Children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care, defined as more
than 3 years in care: 13.3% for CASA cases versus 27% of all children in foster care."*
✓ Larger numbers of children will reenter the child welfare system at 19, 000 per child per year!
`A child with a CASA volunteer is less likely to reenter the child welfare system. The proportion of reentries is
consistently reduced by half.
✓ Children and their parents will not receive needed services because system workers will not have the
time to evaluate the effectiveness of their state paid services.
"When a CASA volunteer was involved both children and their parents were ordered by the courts to receive more
services. The audit concluded that this was an indication that `CASA is effective in identi&ng the needs of children and
parents.
✓ Insufficient case evidence will result in court orders that don't adequately protect the child, which is
why CASA, was established in the first place - to best educate the Judge about the circumstances of a dependent child.
* From a 2006 audit of the National CASA Association conducted by
the US Deparbnent of Justice, Office of the Inspector General
Oregon CASA Network
• Baker County CASA
541-523-9520
• CASA- Voices for Children,
75
5
38
CASA - A Federal and State
Benton County, 541-
8
3-
' Child
0521
C
503
723
Cl
k
Mandated Program
ounty,
-
-
ac
amas
• Ctatsop CASA Program
503-338-6063
C A 5 A
• Columbia County CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates Funding CASA allows Oregon to comply
503-366-4133
• CASA of C
Cou
t
FOR CHILDREN
with state andfederal law:
oos
n
y
OREGON
541-396-1075
• CASA of Central Oregon
Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson
Counties, 541-389-1618
42 USC 13012 - Sec. 13012
• CASA of Curry County
541-698-8086
"The purpose of this subchapter is to ensure that by January 1, 1995, a court-
• CASA of Douglas County
appointed special advocate shall be available to every victim of child abuse
541-672-7001
or neglect in the United States that needs such an advocate."
• Gilliam County CASA
541-384-2096
• Grant-Harney CASA
541-575-5574
• Columbia Gorge CASA
42 USC 675(5)(C)(lli)2
Hood River, Sherman and Wasco
the court
(iii) procedural safeguards shall be applied to assure that
Counties, 541-386-3468
• CASA of Jackson County
consults with the child regarding the proposed permanency or transition plan
541-734-2272
for the child "
• Josephine County CASA
541-474-5437
CASA offers even' state court Jludg ~ a the ability to co~l-y with this challen~n
g
• CASA for Children of
federal statutes
Klamath County 541-885-6017
• CASA of Lake County
541-417-1333
• CASA of Lane County
ORS 419A.170 - Court Appointed Special Advocates
541-984-3130
`(1) In every case under ORS chapter 41913, the court shall appoint a court appointed special
• Lincoln County CASA
advocate
'
541-265-3116
.
(2) Subject to the direction of the court, the duties of the court appointed special advocate are to:
• CASA of Linn County
541-926-2651
(a) Investigate all relevant information about the case;
*Malheur County CASA
(b) Advocate for the child or ward, ensuring that all relevant facts are brought before the
541-881-1676
court;
• CASA of Marion County
(c) Facilitate and negotiate to ensure that the court, Department of Human Services, if
503-378-6327 x297
applicable, and the child or ward's attorney, if any, fulfill their obligations to the child or ward in
• Morrow County CASA
a timely fashion; and
541-076-5642
(d) Monitor all court orders to ensure compliance and to bring to the court's attention any
• CASA for children
change in circumstances that may require a modification of the court's order.
Multnomah and Washington
Counties, 503-988-5115
• CASA of Polk County
503-623-9268 x1301
Each county CASA program
• CASA of Tillamook County
503-842-8432
recruits, trains and professionally supports volunteers
• Umatilla County CASA
541-278-5486
who carry out these state and federal mandates.
• Union County CASA
541-963-2993
• wallow county CASA
Oregon General Funds for CASA are administered through the
541326-3131 x2304
Oregon Commission on Children and Families
• Wheeler County CASA
503-373-1283 • 530 Center Street NE, Suite 405 • Salem OR 97301
541-763-3200
419A.170 (11) The state commission may expend moneys from the Court Appointed Special
• Yamhdl County CASA
Advocate Fund directly or indirectly through contracts or grants for the creation, supervision and
503-434-6668
operation of CASA Volunteer Programs statewide in accordance with the provisions of ORS
419A.045 to 419A.048.
The National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association
National Statistics 2009
100 West Harrison, North Tower, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98119
(206) 270-0072 (800)-628-3233 (206) 270-0078 (fax)
Following are the latest statistics available at the time of publication. Visit the Child Welfare
Information Gateway at for updates and other powerful figures on the needs of
abused and neglected children.
Children Need Protection and Care More Than Ever
Approximately 3.2 million allegations of child abuse and neglect including 5.8 million children
were made to CPS agencies in 2007.'
In 2007, an estimated 794,000 children were substantiated as victims of child maltreatment, a
rate of 10.6 per 1,000 children in the US and Puerto Rico."
Approximately one-half of all victims were White (46.1%); one fifth (21.7%) were African-
American; and one fifth (20.%) were Hispanic. American Indian/Alaska Natives accounted for
1.2% of victims, Asians accounted for 0.8% and Pacific Islanders for 0.2% of victims."'
Children who had been prior victims of maltreatment were 96% more likely to experience a
recurrence than those who were not prior victims. The youngest children (from birth through age
4) were most likely to be determined to be maltreated than all other age groups."'
For 2007, an estimated 1,670 children died from abuse or neglect. The rate of fatalities per
100,000 children has stayed fairly stable: 2.0% for 2003, 2.03% for 2004, 1.96% for 2005,
2.04% for 2006 and 2.3% for 2007. Children 0-4 years old accounted for 75.7% of child
fatalities. Children younger than 1 year old accounted for 42.2% of all child fatalities."
Violence often occurs against women and children in the same family. Research indicates that
between 50-70% of men who assault their female partners also abuse their children."'
On September 30, 2006, there were 510,000 children in foster care. They spent a median of 15.5
months in foster care.""
Race/ethnicity breakdown of the children in foster care as of September 30, 2006""'
Caucasian
40%
205,662
African-American
32%
162,722
Hispanic
190/0
96,967
American Indian/Alaskan Native
2%
10,168
Asian
1%
2,978
Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0%
1,104
Unknown
2% 1
11,286
Two or More Races
4%
19,112
Of the children in foster care on September 30, 2006, 129,000 were waiting to be adopted. Only
51,000 children were adopted from the public foster care system in FY 2006.'
States spent $23.3 billion in federal, state and local funds in FY 2004. This is a 4% increase since
FY 2002 and a 40% increase since FY 1996. X
All components of child welfare funding-federal, state and local-increased spending between
FY 2000 and FY 2002.X'
• Federal spending increased by 7% or $748 million
• State spending increased by 7% or $538 million
• Local spending increased by 15% or $341 million
National Statistics
Page 2 of 7
Total Annual Cost of Child Abuse and Neglect in the United States-Direct Costs (costs
associated with the immediate needs of abused or neglected children)""
Direct Costs
Estimated Annual Cost
Hospitalization
$6,625,959,263
Mental Health Care stem
$1,080,706,049
Child Welfare Services System
$25,361,329,051
L Enf or cement
$33,307,770
Total Direct Costs
$33,101,302,133
Total Annual Cost of Child Abuse and Neglect in the United States-Indirect Costs (costs
associated with long-term and secondary effects of child abuse and neglect)""
Indirect Costs
Estimated Annual Cost
Special Education
$2,410,306,242
Juvenile Delin uen
.
$7,174814,1 I4
Mental Health and Health Care
$67 863 457
Adult Criminal Justice System
$27-979-811982
Lost Productivity to Society
$33,019,919,544
Total Indirect Cost
$70,652,715,359
Abuse is associated with a range of other risks juvenile delinquency, suicide, unemployment
and poor school performance.""'
CASA/GAL: Striving to Meet the Need
CASA/GAL volunteers make sure that the abuse and neglect that the children originally suffered
at home does not continue as abuse and neglect at the hands of the system.
The CASA/GAL network consisted of 954 program offices and 46 state associations at the end
of 2007. Over half (56%) of programs were independent nonprofit organizations; 19% were part
of a nonprofit umbrella agency; 23% were part of a state or county agency; and 2% had some
other administrative structure.'
National Statistics
Page 3 of 7
In 2008, CASA/GAL programs had 68,842 volunteers donate over 5.8 million hours to making a
lifelong difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. In that year, approximately
9,125 new volunteers were trained to help meet the need.""
An estimated 240,894 children were served by CASA/GAL volunteers in 2008."""
Changes over the past five years in the number of CASA/GAL volunteers and children
served.""
Year
CASAJGAL Volunteers
Children Served
2004
50,801
188,620
2005
53,847
225,204
2006
57,938
220,129
2007
59,717
243,295
2008
68,842
240,894
CASA/GAL: Hi Quality Advocacy
Judges assign CASA/GAL volunteers to nearly half of the abuse and neglect cases before them.
They express a great need for more volunteers for their cases."'"
Judges, attorneys, child welfare workers and parents overwhelmingly report that volunteers make
a difference with the children they serve.'
With a limited number of available volunteers, judges assign CASA/GAL volunteers to their
most difficult and complex cases: those with prior maltreatment or contact with child welfare,
cases of extreme neglect, physical or sexual abuse and other cases where children have a great
level of risk.""
National Statistics
Page 4 of 7
CASA volunteers are far more likely than paid attorneys to visit children in their homes and
more likely to investigate whether there are appropriate services for the child or family.'°"'
CASA volunteers are highly effective in getting their recommendations accepted in court, and a
higher number of services are ordered for children and families.'"
CASA/GAL: Better Service to Children
Low caseloads for CASA volunteers mean the courts can make better decisions for children.
They handle just one or two cases at a time so that they can give each child's case the sustained,
personal attention he or she deserves.
CASA volunteers are typically appointed to the more complex children's cases-those where
there are multiple risk factors which must be fully understood in order to make a placement
decision that will be in the child's best interests. These complex cases receive more attention so
they can move forward in a timely way.
Children with CASA volunteers may receive more court-ordered services because of the
volunteer's detailed knowledge of the child's circumstances. Those services can be more
carefully targeted so that service dollars are used more effectively.
CASA/GAL: An Investment That Yields Huge Savings
Federal law requires that juvenile and family courts appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) in all
cases of child abuse and neglect, who may be an attorney or CASA/GAL volunteer.
By helping to reduce time spent unnecessarily in foster care, CASA programs can reduce child
welfare costs. On September 30, 2006, an estimated 510,000 children were in foster care, at an
estimated annual cost to Americans of $33 billion. If the median length of stay in foster care (18
months) were shortened for children in foster care by just one month, it would realize a savings of
approximately $2.75 billion.""
National Statistics
Page 5 of 7
In 2007, CASA/GAL volunteers contributed more than 5.2 million hours of advocacy for
children. If compensated to perform such a role, the total would be more than $250 million.'
87.6% of National CASA expenditures went to fund activities directly supporting CASA/GAL
programs xKv,
National CASA expended 10.6% of grant money on general and administrative activities and
1.8% on fundraising. This is significantly less than the 16.3% average administrative costs for
human services nonprofit organizations."'
CASA/GAL: Pennanent Solutions for Children
Children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster
care, defined as more than 3 years in care: 13.3% for CASA cases versus 27.0% of all children in
foster care.
Cases involving a CASA volunteer are more likely to be "permanently closed" (i.e., the children
are less likely to reenter the child welfare system than cases where a CASA volunteer is not
involved. Just 9% of CASA children reenter the system. This is in contrast to 16% for children
not served by a volunteer.'°" iv
'US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth, and Families. (2008). Child
Maltreatment 2007. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
" Ibid.
" McKibben, L., DeVos, E. & Newberger, E. (1989). "Victimization of mothers of abused children: A controlled
study." Pediatrics, 84: 531; Start, E. & Flitcraft, A. (1988). "Women and children at risk: A feminist perspective on
child abuse." International Journal of Health Services, 18: 97.
°1 US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Administration on Children, Youth, and Families,
Children's Bureau (2005). The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System Report (AFCARS).
Washington, DC.
Ibid.
'x Ibid.
X Scarcella, C., Bess, R., Zielewski, E., Geen, E., The Cost of Protecting Vulnerable Children V.- Understanding
State Variation in Child Welfare Financing, The Urban Institute (2006).
Ibid.
rr~
National Statistics
Page 6 of 7
Prevent Child Abuse America. (2007). Total Estimated Cost of Child Abuse & Neglect In the United States.
x"' Ibid.
Cathy Spatz Widom (1991). Summary of Findings for the American Association for the Advancements of Science.
National CASA Association. (2009) 2008 National CASA Association Annual Local Program Survey. Seattle,
WA.
"Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Organizational Research Services (ORS), (2005). Evaluation of CASAIGAL Volunteer Impact: Judicial Survey.
Dr. Litzelfelner (2003). CASA Consumer Satisfaction Survey. University of Kentucky.
Caliber Associates (2004). Evaluation of CASA Effectiveness.
Weisz and Thai (2003). The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program: Bringing Information to Child
Abuse & Neglect Cases. Nebraska.
Caliber Associates (2004). Evaluation of CASA Effectiveness.
>odv US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Administration on Children, Youth, and Families,
Children's Bureau (2005). The Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System Report (AFCARS).
Washington, DC.
Bureaun of Labor Statistics (2007). "May 2007 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, United
States " at http://www.bls.gov/oes/2007/may/0es_nat.htm#b23-0000. National CASA Association (2007). 2006
National CASA Association Annual Local Program Survey. Seattle, WA.
'0 ' 2006, US Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) audit of the National CASA Association,
as required by Congress.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Xxv`v Ibid.
National Statistics
Page 7 of 7