Our Commitment to Our Community

We stand with all youth throughout our community.

At CASA of Baltimore County, we acknowledge the necessity for and celebrate diversity. Our efforts to be inclusive align with our mission and vision to advocate for children of all backgrounds in the foster care system. We understand that to be able to serve our communities adequately and successfully, we must have cultural humility.

Our goal is to be a multicultural organization that fosters a safe environment to grow and learn, so that we can be the best advocates for the children we serve. We strive to achieve that goal by holding space for courageous conversations; partnering with community groups with shared values; offering ongoing training opportunities for staff and volunteers; striving to have a diverse board, staff, and volunteer base; and more.

We are committed to this work as an important port of our advocacy for children and families

Anti-Racism

CASA of Baltimore County stands with our youth, families, and community throughout Baltimore County. Years, decades, and even centuries of systemic racism and inequity have placed certain groups, particularly African-Americans, "behind" others.

Unfortunately, this reality is also reflected in the foster care system.

It has long been known that children of color, particularly Black children, are far overrepresented in foster care, just as Black people continue to be overrepresented in the criminal justice system, in incidents of violence by police, in suspensions in school, and in poor health outcomes. As an organization that is dedicated to serving the best interests of those most vulnerable in our community, these realities are unacceptable.

In order for there to be real change, every individual and every organization must do their part. CASA of Baltimore County is committed to doing better for the children and families we work with – to listen, to learn, to hear, and to speak up. We know it can’t stop there, and our promise to you, our CASA community, is that we will continue the work.

LGBTQ+ Ally

CASA of Baltimore County is proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. Anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can support the LGBTQ+ community; but being an ally of this population takes action. CASA of Baltimore County works to stay informed on relevant issues and events, we partner with LGBTQ+ community organizations, we speak up for what’s right, and we incorporate the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in our advocacy. We believe that allyship is a year-round effort and is more than a one-time statement or activity. We are committed to fostering an environment of belonging for all of our youth and their families, staff, volunteers, partners, and members of our community.

Resources

Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism [CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall]