Bilingual Spanish-speaking advocates are needed to serve Hispanic & Latino children living in Douglas County
According to the Kids Count report for Nebraska, in 2019 there were 32,891 Hispanic/Latino children 19 and under, equating to 20.5% of the children in Douglas County.
Last year, CASA for Douglas County served 459 children – and 15% of those children identify as Hispanic/Latino. These children have entered the child welfare system due to allegations of abuse or neglect and at this point, a CASA advocate may be appointed by a judge to advocate for these children. However, only 5 % of our advocates are Hispanic or Latino.
CASA for Douglas county is looking for advocates from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities to amplify the voice of these children in court. We know children do better when they are paired with someone they can relate to, that is why we need Latino and Hispanic advocates who understand and relate to the children we serve.
At CASA for Douglas County, we strive to recruit people of diverse backgrounds so our advocates can reflect the diversity of children in the foster care system.
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Bilingual Spanish-speaking advocates in the Hispanic community fill a need to help the children in care feel a sense of community and family. The children we serve need to be represented by individuals that look like them, speak like them, and have a similar background as them. CASA advocates bring a unique level of dedication to the children, families, and the community.
We are working hard to improve our diversity profile, but we still have a long way to go.
Become a CASA in Douglas County to support Hispanic/Latino children and families in our community!
CASA helps facilitate nurturing relationships for the child, ensuring the children's safety while in foster care. Advocates work hard to help children stay connected to their culture and cultural identity. Many Hispanic / Latino children come from families who only speak Spanish. We know outcomes for children are more successful if the language barriers are eliminated so that everyone understands how to best help a child and family through their case.
CASA Advocates go through 30 hours of training and attend two court observations prior to being sworn in. After being sown in, new Advocates will be paired with an Advocate Coordinator who will continue to provide guidance and support if needed.
Read more about the impact your advocacy can have on a child in foster care.
Reach out to Martha Alcantara-Sanchez (she, her, hers), Community Outreach Specialist, at malcantara@casaomaha.org or at (402) 932-5683 Ext. 119 if you have any questions.
If you would like more information on how to become a CASA Advocate, click the button below.
