Uncategorized
Julie Diverde
Julie Diverde

CEO // CASA, A Voice for Children

Philanthropy in Napa Valley

Julie DiVerde, CEO of Napa CASA, A Voice for Children said, “According to studies, one caring adult in the life of a child can make a significant difference in the child’s ability to cope with adversity. The adults who work with such children need to be trained and supervised by experienced supervisors.” And that’s the job  of  CASA, whose mission is to provide advocacy, support, and mentorship for abused, neglected, and at-risk children; to advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system and to ensure they have a safe, permanent home in which they can thrive.  DiVerde  has  served  as  CASA’s CEO for the past 13 years; prior, she worked for CASA of Marin County for 17 years. CASA serves every abused or neglected child who, because of the severity of the abuse and neglect, requires the protection of the Napa County Superior Court. CASA  trains  and  supervises  volunteers who address the needs of children in foster care by meeting with them regularly in their home; assessing their living situation; providing support throughout the court process; ensuring that the children’s wishes are known to the judge; submitting reports to the court with the child’s current situation and making recommendations for  the  best interest of the child. CASA volunteers also assist children transitioning to new foster homes. “Abused and neglected children in foster care have significantly higher rates of health issues and educational disparities,” said DiVerde. “CASA ensures that our most vulnerable children, from newborn to age twenty, receive the support they need and provides a consistent and stable adult in their lives. All children in foster care need and  deserve  the  opportunity for a better future – a future that includes being safe, being cared for, and the chance to succeed in life.”

www.Napacasa.org

 

Article By: Fran Miller