Business Details
20 Years
experience
Foster Child Advocacy in Philadelphia
Casa Of Philadelphia County has dedicated itself to advocating for foster children's rights since 2006. Our organization trains and supports community volunteers who serve as consistent advocates for children navigating the foster care system. With a professional staff of 12 and over 110 active volunteers annually, we ensure each child receives personalized attention through courtroom representation and community support. Our volunteers undergo 30+ hours of initial training and 12 hours of annual continuing education, working closely with social workers and legal professionals.Research demonstrates our impact includes reduced time in foster care and improved educational outcomes. We maintain partnerships with local agencies to address systemic challenges while focusing on each child's unique needs for safety, education, and permanent placement.
Services
CASA Volunteer Program
Educational Decision-Maker Program
Courtroom Advocacy
Child Welfare Services
Volunteer Training
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Our volunteers complete 30+ hours of specialized training before case assignment
- We maintain 12 professional staff members supporting volunteer advocates
- Proven 15-year track record of improving foster child outcomes
- Court-recognized expertise in Philadelphia's child welfare system
- Comprehensive support for volunteers throughout their 2-year commitments
Services
CASA Volunteer Program
Trained volunteers serve as consistent advocates for foster children in legal proceedings. Our advocates review medical and educational records, interview caregivers, and provide courts with comprehensive child assessments. This program ensures children receive appropriate services while working toward permanent placement in safe, loving homes.
Educational Decision-Maker Program
Volunteers act as educational surrogates for children without parental advocacy. We ensure special education needs are met through IEP monitoring and school communication. Our advocates track academic progress and intervene when educational services require adjustment for children awaiting permanent placement.
Volunteer Training
Comprehensive training prepares volunteers for courtroom and community advocacy. Participants complete 30+ hours of initial instruction covering child welfare systems and legal procedures. Ongoing education ensures advocates maintain current knowledge of best practices in foster child representation.
People
Happi Grillon
Executive Director
Over 20 years leading youth services programs in Philadelphia, including foster care and crisis intervention. Holds MSW from Temple University and completed Bryn Mawr Non-Profit Executive Leadership Institute.
Ashley Bryant
CASA Training Specialist
Former educator with experience teaching in New York and Philadelphia. Manages volunteer training programs and educational decision-maker initiatives. Holds MS Ed from Lehman College.
Maelena Arthur
CASA Program Manager
Former foster care case worker with Chester County CYF. Oversees volunteer supervision and program implementation. Graduated from Temple University's MSW program.
Abigail Scardelletti
Director of Development
Community outreach specialist with experience in nonprofit fundraising and event planning. Graduated from Cabrini University with Communication degree.
Stephanie Boles
Advocate Supervisor
Former foster care case aid with Bethany Christian Services. Holds MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University. Provides direct support to volunteer advocates.
Questions
What does CASA of Philadelphia do?
We train community volunteers to advocate for foster children's best interests in court and daily life.
How are CASA volunteers different from social workers?
Volunteers focus solely on one child's needs while maintaining court-ordered confidentiality and advocacy standards.
What training do CASA volunteers receive?
30+ hours initial training covering courtroom procedures, child welfare systems, and special needs advocacy requirements.
How long do volunteers commit to a case?
Minimum 2-year commitment to ensure continuity during the child's court proceedings.
What impact does CASA have on foster children?
Children with CASA advocates experience 25% shorter foster care stays and improved educational outcomes.
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