Disproportionately within the welfare system of children of color is well known, most specifically affecting Black children. This has become a supporting factor in the work CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) is doing to diversify and educate its volunteer pool.
The push for CASA volunteers to be more reflective of the children served is part of a national effort of court-appointed special advocacy programs, among many other best-interest initiatives.
Just under four percent of CASA-EP’s volunteer ranks consist of persons of color, a number the organization hopes to grow in 2021 and future years.
“CASA programs need volunteers who are sensitive to cultural differences, who can help foster parents navigate issues that children are facing and who can be positive role models for children in care,” said Michelle Sudduth, executive director of CASA-EP.
“A wealth of research has shown that a child feels more connected and better understood when they have an advocate that actually looks like them, that they can identify with. It’s having someone in their corner who understands their unique challenges,” said director of training and staff development, Del Pope.
Nationwide, Black children make up only 14% of the youth population but represent over 23% of the foster care population – a significant overrepresentation compared to their peers. This can be attributed to the specific challenges that Black children, youth, and families often experience – where biases can affect the well-being of the group.
Data supports that there is no difference in the rate of maltreatment (abuse or neglect) of Black children compared to other race and ethnicities, yet they are more than twice as
likely to be investigated following allegations. This results in Black children being removed from their homes at higher rates.
Once in foster care, Black children are also more than twice as likely to be put into an out-of-home care situation different from all that they have known.
“Children who have experienced abuse or neglect have already faced tough situations, and entering the foster care system can be traumatic. But when a child is placed in a culturally different setting, it is even more challenging,” shared Pope. “They aren’t just removed from their homes but removed from everything they identify with.”
National data shows that Black children languish in foster care longer and often have multiple placements per year. Black children represent a larger number of youth awaiting adoption. Many will age out of the system at 18 years old without a family or support system.
Knowing this, CASA-EP of the Eastern Panhandle is committed to making sure that volunteers are representative and well-informed about advocating for children and families of color. Continuing education courses provide opportunities for current advocates to grow in their understanding of diversity issues and their own biases. Expanded training provides support and understanding of how advocates assess their own biases.
In the past advocates have chosen to do their own outside research to improve their understanding and quality of work.
Said one advocate, Amber Griffith, “I didn’t want to be just another white person coming into these kids and families lives and pretending to be unaware of that imbalance.” To that end, she said, “I read a lot!”
Along with other local program resources, National CASA/GAL training courses offer recommended reading and coursework.
“In order to raise our consciousness, volunteers need to be prepared to learn through listening to the communities we serve,” said Griffith. “We’re trained to examine the facts regarding the allegations of a case, but we also need to be prepared to be called out and then be dedicated enough to recognize our biases and then correct them. For me personally, I ask questions and lots of them. I want their perspective, because to advocate for a child of color I need to be able to understand their unique struggles and needs.”
Advocates get to know the child and speak to everyone involved in the child’s life, including their family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, social workers and others. CASA volunteers are the eyes and ears for an otherwise overrepresented group and provide better outcomes for children facing overwhelming circumstances.
CASA-EP’s mission is to provide a voice for all children who are voiceless. It is especially important during Black History Month to bring attention to the needs, challenges, experiences and resources specific to Black children and youth of color in the welfare system.
