Working with kids matter has been a Passion project for Jim. He started as a volunteer with them 12 years ago has been brought into their staff recently. His major role right now is searching for volunteers to be Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA for short. their phrase for 2020 is to "change a kid's story." Court appointed special advocates are the voice looking out for the best interest of kids for safety and permanency as they enter and go through the process of the foster system. In some cases, the CASA may also be appointed the guardian ad litem for the child, but this does not always happen. Less than 50% of foster kids nation wide graduate from high school; however, in Milwuakee 100% of foster kids with a CASA have graduated.
There are several requirements for becoming a CASA. These include participation in a 30 hour training course to learn how to best evaluate, connect, and communicate with children and those involved in their lives. You must also be available to provide the court with your opinion at least every six months. The funding for the CASA program comes mostly from private donations although Kids Matter does receive funds from the state victim of crimes fund.