logo-web.gif (3167 bytes)Lincoln Memorial


Mission Statement

Recruit, train and direct community volunteers appointed by a judge as Court Appointed Special Advocates to speak up for abused and neglected children in the Court System; provide information and recommendations to the judge in the best interests of children; help give them a chance to grow up in safe, permanent homes.

THE PROBLEM
Eyes of Children
  • There are more than 4,500 abused and neglected children served by the Family Court of D.C. Superior Court.

  • Each month, many new children are reported to be entering the 'neglect' system.

  • The effects of substance-abusing parents are resulting in abandonment of infants and older children.

  • All too often, children can remain in foster care for years.

  • Despite some reported improvements, more and more children are processed through the system.
  • The impact upon children and families is devistating.

  • The unemployment rate for D.C. residents in June 2003 stood at 7.3%.

  • The poverty rate among the District's children (31.7 percent) is far higher than for the total population.

  • More than two thirds of D.C. black families in poverty are single mothers (29%). The poverty rate among these families was 37.3 percent.

  • More than 2/3 of the city's children in foster care remain there until they age out of the system because they are not returned home or achieve a permanancy placement through guardianship, legal custody, adoption, or Preparation for Independent Living.

ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

  • To grow up in safe, stable and permanent family relationships.

  • Be protected from harm and neglect.

  • Have someone concerned for their health and safety when families are in crisis.

  • Have a Volunteer Advocate as his/her advocate in Court.

  • Be helped to understand what is happening to them and what activities are taking place in their cases.

  • Have a wide variety of community services available to their families to help them deal with their problems.

  • Experience less frequent temporary placements which are detrimental to a child's well-being and development.

  • Have a thorough review of their cases and prompt action for permanent resolution in their best interest.

  • Have the support of public and business communities joining public and private agencies which commit time and resources to help abused and neglected children.



Endorsements

  • "At a time when the District of Columbia is in great need for expediting the process of permanency under the law of victims of dysfunctional families, the DC volunteers for abused & neglected children are providing a valuable and vital service in facilitating the speedy completion of adoption processes." - The Honorable Rufus G. King III, Chief Judge Superior Court of the District of Columbia

  • "The information and reports which the volunteers supply to the Court and parties - including the Assistant Corporation Counsel - are very valuable; they typically reflect a very close level of work with the family and provide articulate observations of the family's/children's interaction and issues." - Henning Vent, Senior Policy Counsel, Family Services Division Office of the Corporation Counsel

  • "It was my privilege to have co-sponsored the District of Columbia legislation which was enacted as 'Court Appointed Special Advocate Program Act 10-228', and be assured I will continue to do whatever I can to help foster the humanitarian goals of the D.C. Volunteer Advocates for Abused & Neglected Children."- Kevin P. Chavous, former Councilmember, D.C. City Council