Business Details
45 Years
experience
Casa Of Sedgwick County | Advocating for Children in Foster Care
Casa Of Sedgwick County has been a dedicated advocate for abused and neglected children since 1981. Our mission centers on recruiting, training, and supervising community volunteers who serve as Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children aged 0-21 navigating the foster care system. These trained volunteers work directly with judges, legal professionals, educators, and service providers to ensure every child's best interests are represented in court proceedings. With over four decades of experience, our organization has supported more than 2,600 children through personalized advocacy and community partnerships.Our team of passionate professionals collaborates with child welfare experts to create safe, permanent homes for vulnerable youth. We maintain core values of integrity, adaptability, and collaboration while providing thorough training to ensure quality advocacy. Our vision is to ensure every child in need receives a dedicated CASA volunteer, and our track record demonstrates measurable impact through successful case resolutions and family reunifications.
Services
Child Advocacy
Volunteer Training
Case Representation
Community Outreach
Corporate Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We provide trained Court-Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care
- Our volunteers have supported over 2,600 children since 1981
- We maintain partnerships with legal and child welfare professionals
- Our advocates receive comprehensive training and supervision
- We demonstrate measurable impact through successful case resolutions
What people say
Life-changing difference
Successful family reunifications
Dedicated advocates
Services
Child Advocacy
Our Court-Appointed Special Advocates provide personalized representation for children in foster care. Volunteers work directly with judges and child welfare professionals to ensure each child's best interests are represented in court proceedings. This advocacy helps judges make informed decisions about placement, care, and long-term solutions for abused and neglected children.
Volunteer Training
We provide comprehensive training for community volunteers before their court appointments. The program covers child welfare systems, courtroom procedures, and advocacy techniques. Trained volunteers receive ongoing supervision and support throughout their service to ensure effective representation for each assigned child.
Case Representation
CASA volunteers conduct thorough investigations and submit detailed reports to juvenile courts. They monitor case progress, attend hearings, and maintain regular contact with children, families, and service providers. This continuous oversight helps ensure children receive appropriate services and timely permanency solutions.
Community Outreach
We educate the community about child welfare issues through public events and awareness campaigns. Our outreach efforts include volunteer recruitment drives, educational presentations, and partnerships with local organizations to expand support networks for foster children and families.
Corporate Partnerships
We develop strategic partnerships with businesses to enhance our advocacy capabilities. Corporate supporters contribute through financial donations, in-kind resources, and employee volunteer programs. These collaborations help expand our reach and improve outcomes for children in the foster care system.
People
Kim Gerstenkorn
Executive Director
Kim leads our organization with over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She oversees all operations, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives while maintaining direct involvement in volunteer training and advocacy programs.
Alexis DeVous
Program Manager
Alexis manages our volunteer program with expertise in child welfare systems. She coordinates case assignments, provides ongoing volunteer support, and collaborates with juvenile court officials to ensure effective advocacy for every child.
Danielle Thompson
Development Director
Danielle leads fundraising efforts and donor relations with a focus on sustainable growth. She manages corporate partnerships, planned giving programs, and community engagement initiatives to expand resources for our advocacy programs.
Christine S.
CASA Advocate
Christine exemplifies our volunteer impact through her work with sibling toddlers in foster care. Her dedicated advocacy helped facilitate family reunification while ensuring child safety and connecting families with essential support services.
Katie Austin
Board President
Katie provides strategic leadership as Board President with extensive experience in community development. She guides organizational governance, policy implementation, and long-term planning to advance our mission of child advocacy.
Questions
What does CASA of Sedgwick County do?
We provide trained volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care. Our Court-Appointed Special Advocates work within the juvenile court system to ensure children's best interests are represented in case decisions.
How are CASA volunteers different from social workers?
CASA volunteers are court-appointed advocates who focus exclusively on one child or sibling group. Unlike social workers, they provide independent recommendations to judges based on thorough case investigations and ongoing monitoring.
How can I become a CASA volunteer?
Complete our application, undergo background checks, and finish 30 hours of training. Volunteers must commit to at least one year of service and advocate for their assigned child's best interests in court proceedings.
What impact does a CASA volunteer make?
Our advocates help reduce time in foster care by 25% and increase successful family reunifications. They provide consistent support, ensure access to necessary services, and advocate for each child's educational and healthcare needs.
How is CASA of Sedgwick County funded?
We receive funding through private donations, corporate partnerships, grants, and planned giving. No government funding supports our operations, allowing us to maintain independence in advocating for children's best interests.
