Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention

Description

The Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990, as amended (Public Law 101-647), mandates that all abused and neglected children involved in dependency proceedings receive timely, sensitive, and effective advocacy. The Act directs that a “court-appointed special advocate shall be available to every victim of child abuse or neglect in the United States that needs such an advocate.” The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program ensures that abused and neglected children receive high quality representation in dependency court hearings. The successful applicant will provide information, technical assistance, and training to volunteer advocates who represent abused and neglected children in dependency hearings and to other child welfare system stakeholders at the local, state, regional, and national levels. This program is authorized by the Victims of Child Abuse Act, 42 U.S.C. Sections 13011 – 13014.

Who can apply

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Others

Contact

Cecilia Duquela-Fuentes, Program Manager, at (202) 514-9372
Cecilia.Duquela@usdoj.gov