Our Core Program
HISTORY
CASA DC’s Core Program is the foundation of our work, providing advocacy and support for foster youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. Every CASA DC youth benefits from the Core Program, with additional specialized support available through our targeted programs for specific populations. Established in 2002 as our first program, Core has since served more than 1,500 foster youth in the District.
YOUTH SERVED
The Core Program supports youth in foster care ranging from birth through 21 who are not part of an acute population served by another program.
PROGRAM GOALS
The mission of the Core Program is to promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every abused and neglected child in the DC foster care system can be safe, establish permanence and have the opportunity to thrive.
PROGRAM IMPACT
In FY25, CASA volunteers made nearly 500 visits to youth placements and dedicated over 6,000 hours to their volunteer work. During this period, 100% of CASA volunteers supported permanency for the youth they worked with, 89% focused on supporting education, 71% assisted with life skills development, and 82% prioritized the well-being of the youth.