About Us
The advocacy provided by CASA helps ensure that every child experiencing foster care in Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman Counties has the opportunity to transition successfully into adulthood. Research shows that when a CASA volunteer is appointed, outcomes are strengthened for children and families, more needed services are ordered, children are significantly less likely to reenter the child welfare system, children perform better academically and behaviorally, and have higher levels of hope.
CASA's primary form of advocacy is through submitting court reports to present judges with a fuller picture of what is happening in the child's life. Volunteers devote hours getting to know the stories of the children for whom they advocate and then carefully crafting reports to supply the court with an understanding of that child's everyday life. While DHS workers tend to maintain a broader and more clinical overview of the case, CASA volunteers are able to focus solely on the children, painting a more detailed account of their perspectives, hopes, and needs. These reports contain both observations and recommendations regarding the best interest of the child.
Our History
Inspiration came to Seattle juvenile court judge David W. Soukup in 1976. Judge Soukup had insufficient information to make a life-changing decision for a 3-year-old girl who had suffered from child abuse.
That’s where the idea came from: These children, who had experienced abuse or neglect, needed trained volunteers speaking up in the courtroom for their best interests.
A CASA is often the only consistent person in a child's life during their time in foster care.
Our Board of Directors
Board Chair
Julie Nygard
Vice Chair
Nicole Sibert
Secretary
Nate Stice
Treasurer
Tyler LaBar
Other Members
Prudence Amick
Christa Rude
Brigitte Barnes
Philip Swartz
Elizabeth Rovianek
LEARN HOW YOU CAN BECOME A BOARD MEMBER:
outreach@gorgecasa.org
Our Vision
A world where every child who has experienced abuse or neglect is given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.
Our Purpose
Every abused or neglected child needs a caring, consistent adult to advocate for his or her well-being.
Our Mission
To advocate for the needs and well-being of children in foster care through professionally trained and supported community volunteers.