Annual Report 2021

Dear Friends of CASA,

Santa Barbara County children and youth in foster care possess enormous potential for growth and positive change. They represent hope for the future and deserve our investment in them. That’s why it’s never too early to create a safe and nurturing home for a child, but it’s never too late either. 

Every young person should have a chance to thrive and a second chance at healing their past traumas. CASA of Santa Barbara County is working to ensure every child has the time and attention of a CASA volunteer to guide them through the foster care system’s chaos and into a healthier and safe life. 

In our fiscal year 2021, we learned that our volunteers possess much of the same quality we see in the children we serve. RESILIENCY. 

The number of children in the foster care system had started to spike before the pandemic that began in 2020. We thought the pandemic might slow things down, but that didn’t happen. But because of the resiliency of our volunteers, who stuck with the CASA program and continued to advocate for the children, we served more children than ever in our history of serving vulnerable youth in our community. Five hundred forty-two children had the benefit of a CASA volunteer by their side – a remarkable accomplishment that was only possible because volunteers didn’t give up. 

And it’s a good thing! Studies show alarming statistics: 

• Former foster children are almost twice as likely to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as U.S. war veterans.  
• Most demonstrate multiple factors identified as “Adverse Childhood Experiences” (ACEs) that tend to result in later trauma, poor health, and even early death.  
• Children who spend time in the foster care system need a tremendous amount of support to overcome the odds stacked against them, and research confirms that just one trusted adult in a child’s life can make a world of difference. 

We know that a CASA volunteer’s dedicated advocacy, support, and mentorship can have a lasting, far-reaching impact on a child’s present and future. Studies also show us:  

• Children with a CASA volunteer on their side are more likely to find a safe, permanent home  
• Succeed in school – in our County, most foster care children do graduate high school!  
• They are half as likely to reenter the foster care system.  

Right now, there is an urgent need to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and fill their future with light. The dramatic increase in the number of children who need our services has outpaced our ability to recruit and train new volunteers. We believe this is primarily due to the challenges brought on by the pandemic. We know our volunteers need a break after their incredible commitment over the past couple of years. We will work with them and with the community to do what it takes to continue to provide advocacy for the children who so desperately need it. We may face challenges, but with the resilient spirit that we see in the eyes of the children, we will approach our goals with optimism for the future. 

Thanks to you and your generosity, we can work towards a brighter future for our children, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do. 

Yours in advocacy,

Kim Colby Davis

Executive Director