Neighbor News
CASA Youth Advocates Receives Lincoln Financial Foundation Grant for Third Consecutive Year
Support will help CASA advocate for abused and neglected children in Delaware and Chester Counties
CASA Youth Advocates announced today that for the third consecutive year it has received a $10,000 grant from Lincoln Financial Foundation to advocate for abused and neglected children in Delaware County and Chester County Dependency Court Systems. Delaware County-based CASA Youth Advocates recruits, trains and supports volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates who work to ensure each child a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.
“We are overjoyed by the continued generosity and support of Lincoln Financial Foundation,” said Anne Shenberger, Executive Director of CASA Youth Advocates. “This grant will go a long way as we continue our efforts to advocate for abused and neglected children in Delaware and Chester Counties. We are so thankful for organizations like Lincoln Financial Foundation.”
More than 900 abused and neglected children in Delaware and Chester County endure the counties’ court system each year. In 2014 (the most recent data available) over 700 Delaware County children and 200 Chester County children lived in foster care. Local children awaiting adoption spend nearly four years on average in the foster care system—around double the state average.
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But according to research conducted through the National CASA Association, children with a Court Appointed Special Advocate are more likely to be adopted, receive more services while in the system, perform better in school, and are half as likely to re-enter foster care. Because of generous grants like this, CASA Youth Advocates is able to work towards these improved outcomes for children in the region. In 2015, CASA Youth Advocates served 201 children, a 56% increase since 2007.
Lincoln Financial Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Lincoln Financial Group, believes in empowering people to live greater lives, which advances culture and inspires greater positive change. It awards grants to more than 300 local nonprofits each year, with a mission of improving the lives of many.
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About CASA Youth Advocates
Since 1992, CASA Youth Advocates has worked to ensure each child in Delaware County’s child welfare system a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. Delaware County CASA recruits and trains volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates to advise the courts on the best interests of an abused or neglected child, with support and guidance from CASA’s professional staff of social workers and attorneys. In 2015 CASA expanded services to Chester County children. For more information: www.delcocasa.org.
About Lincoln Financial Foundation
The Lincoln Financial Foundation, established in 1962, is a nonprofit organization formed and supported by Lincoln Financial Group. Under the Foundation guidelines, grants are made in the areas of arts, education, human services and economic/workforce development.
