Massachusetts CASA is determined to be a leader in contributing to a more compassionate, equitable, and just child welfare system. A system that supports families in the way that they deserve and prevents children being removed unnecessarily. And if removal is unavoidable, a system that ensures that children and youth receive the care and attention that we demand for those within our own families and parents receive the support that they need to have their children returned as quickly as possible.

Here were just a few of our efforts in 2023 which were ALL led by experts with lived experience:

* We led a first of its kind state-wide training for CASA staff and volunteers on implicit bias and interrupting poverty.
* We piloted a pre-service equity and justice-centered training program for new volunteers. They learned the “real” history of the child welfare system, explored the concept of societal neglect, dove deeper into the root causes of racial disproportionality and disparities in the child welfare system, and were challenged to explore their motivations for volunteering.
* We launched a first-ever statewide PR campaign on public radio and social media that directly addressed the conflation of poverty and neglect and racial disproportionality in foster care. The campaign reached over 1.5 million people across New England and significant funds were allocated towards reaching BIPOC community members through advertising on shows such as Latino USA and Code Switch, as well as targeting specific zip codes on social media.
* We testified in front of the legislature and made a call for action to get bolder AND much more sensible about child welfare solutions. We challenged the legislators, and all child welfare stakeholders present, to shrink the system by better supporting families. We stressed the importance of keeping children OUT of the system which research clearly has found often harms children as much as it “protects” them.

These are just a few steps we took in 2023. We will relentlessly, humbly, and unapologetically continue to demand better of ourselves and others.

If you’d like to get involved, please hit me up @charles@macasa.org! You can also visit our website to sign up to volunteer, make that end of the year donation, or subscribe to our email list at https://macasa.org/.

Happy Holidays to All!