Stories and our Latest News

In an effort to keep our community aware of happenings across the state that relate to the mission of Michigan CASA and others involved in the protection of children, we will share relative articles and videos here. If you are aware of news releases or media broadcasts that would build awareness please email to information@michigancasa.org

Michigan CASA Board Secretary running 100 miles this weekend in support of Michigan's abused and neglected foster care children
Patty Sabin Patty Sabin

Michigan CASA Board Secretary running 100 miles this weekend in support of Michigan's abused and neglected foster care children

Amy D’Aprile, Michigan CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates for Children) board secretary and CASA advocate, is running 100 miles across the state this weekend to help raise money for the nonprofit organization committed to advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children in Michigan’s foster care system.  

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Focus on back to school; education, CASA/GAL volunteers, and children in the child welfare system
Patty Sabin Patty Sabin

Focus on back to school; education, CASA/GAL volunteers, and children in the child welfare system

It’s back-to-school season, and although it can be an exciting time, it can also be filled with anticipation and anxiety. It can be especially overwhelming for children who are in the child welfare system due to allegations of neglect or abuse. CASA and GAL volunteers are trained to gather information to advocate for children’s best interest in the court and in the classroom.

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Advocates for Michigan foster youth hope education reforms will pass this year
Patty Sabin Patty Sabin

Advocates for Michigan foster youth hope education reforms will pass this year

When Christian Goode transferred from a traditional high school to Lakeside Academy, a state-licensed residential foster care facility near Kalamazoo, some of his academic records never made it over.

As a result, he had to repeat an entire year of classes, and redo school work he had already completed.

“At times, I didn’t want to do it, because I had already done it,” Goode said of the work. “It felt like I was forgotten and no one cared.”

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Need for more foster families grows
Patty Sabin Patty Sabin

Need for more foster families grows

Especially following the pandemic, there is a need for foster parents in Michigan. There are approximately 10,000 children in foster care in the state, and nearly 200 children who still need an adoptive family.

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Amid a Mental Health Crisis, Foster Children Are Forgotten
Patty Sabin Patty Sabin

Amid a Mental Health Crisis, Foster Children Are Forgotten

Recently, while I was conducting a survey investigating the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on children’s mental health, I noticed all my phone conversations were starting the same way: I would introduce myself as Tom, a medical student at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan, then ask if the person I was speaking to was the parent or guardian of the patient I was inquiring about

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