Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers to advocate for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect and are involved in the foster care system. CASA is celebrating their 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of ensuring that children who have experienced abuse and neglect in Prince George’s County have a powerful, consistent voice in court and throughout their journey to safety and stability.
Court Appointed Special Advocate invites community members and media to celebrate by attending a dessert social in CASA’s office on May 7, 2026 (CASA’s 25th Birthday), from 12-2pm. Click here to let RSVP or if you would like to set up a meeting with the Executive Director:https://forms.gle/WWsUY9s8YAzxM83Z8
Since its founding in February 1992, CASA/Prince George’s County has grown from a small, volunteer-driven program into a nationally recognized leader in child welfare advocacy, serving 150–200 children and young people each year. Over 25 years, CASA advocates have worked to disrupt cycles of abuse and poverty for over a thousand children to navigate complex court systems, reduce time in foster care, and improve overall stability.
As Court Appointed Special Advocate looks ahead, they share their commitment to expanding equitable, youth-informed advocacy so that no young person faces the transition to adulthood alone.
“I wish that every child in foster care could have a CASA. It really helps,” says Tim, a Former Foster Youth.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County’s 25-year history reflects both deep community roots and a willingness to lead system-level change. Key milestones include the launch of the Transition Aged Youth (TAY) Program; contributions to the Foster Care Bill of Rights and Model Court; national and state recognitions for diversity, volunteer excellence, and child welfare leadership; supporting the establishment of the YES Center for transition aged foster youth; and participation in the Thrive Prince George’s Guaranteed Income Program.
“CASA’s strength has always been its people- our volunteers, staff, partners, and supporters,” said John Greene, Board Chair of CASA/Prince George’s County. “For 25 years, this organization has shown what is possible when a community comes together to protect children’s best interests. As we celebrate this milestone, we are also setting our sights on the future- ensuring CASA has the resources and vision to meet growing needs with compassion and excellence.”
As a part of its 25th anniversary, Court Appointed Special Advocate has launched a year-long awareness and engagement campaign alongside strategic planning to scale impact, strengthen partnerships, and expand its continuum of care for current and former foster youth. Community investment remains critical to meeting increasing demand and sustaining high-quality advocacy.
“Celebrating 25 years is not just about looking back.” says Yolanda Johnson, CASA’s Executive Director. “It’s about committing ourselves to the next generation of children and young adults who deserve safety, stability, and opportunity.”
For more information, visit www.pgcasa.org
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