CASA of Allegheny County is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and demonstrates these qualities in its own operations, governance, management, and quality advocacy for children. Data on race, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, and disability is collected and reviewed for the children served to inform us about disproportionality and disparate outcomes.
We are committed to training staff, volunteers, and our governing body members to increase the awareness and understanding of issues relating to disproportionality and disparate outcomes within our local child welfare and court systems.
Several of CASA of Allegheny County staff members have participated in anti-racism workshops including Interrupting Racism for Children (IRFC), a two-day interactive workshop educating and moving individuals to act to stop racism in its tracks, creating a future where children thrive and race does not predict their life outcomes.
Find more information on how to participate here.
National CASA/GAL has created a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Learning Center which will be made available to all staff. The DEI Learning Center offers resources to encourage the network to reflect and identify ways to address racism, injustices, diversity, equity, engagement, and inclusion.
For staff, access the DEI Learning Center here.
“All young people, regardless of what they look like, which religion they follow, who they love, or the gender they identify with, deserve the chance to dream and grow in a loving, permanent home.”
- President Obama, National Foster Care Month 2015 Presidential Proclamation
We stand with those who are protesting against systemic racism in the U.S. There’s much work to be done. CASA of Allegheny County understands that change starts from the inside out. As leaders for children, we recognize we have a duty to play a part in dismantling systemic racism.
Below is a list of resources curated by the CASA network to help individuals learn and take action:
