Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Fairfax CASA
Mailing Address: 4103 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 200
City: Fairfax
State: VA
Postal Code: 22030
Main Phone: 7032733526
Main Fax: 7032732201
Organization Website: www.fairfaxcasa.org
Employer ID Number: 54-1555197
Organization Tax Status: Nonprofit 501c3 org

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 3/14/2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Advocating for Abused and Neglected Children with Open Cases Before the Court
Project Description:

Since 1989, Fairfax CASA has served almost 9,000 abused children by providing a vetted, trained and dedicated volunteer (a CASA), who ensures that the voices of these vulnerable children are heard, and that they do not slip through the cracks of the chaotic child welfare system. The majority of our children are separated from their parents and removed from everything and everyone they know; their lives change in an instant. While in the system, most children experience at least two foster home placements, school changes, and multiple social workers. Siblings are sometimes separated, children are placed in treatment facilities, and visitation with parents occurs once or twice per week and is closely supervised. Throughout their time in this system, there is one person who will be there from the beginning, until the very end of their case: Their CASA. Fairfax CASAs stay on their cases until closure (an average of 23 months, but we have had cases stay open as long as 10 years).

CASAs act as the “eyes and ears” of the Court, by getting to know the children (visiting at least twice/month), observing the relationships with their parents, checking in with service providers and schools, monitoring the status of court-ordered services, and listening to the children. They write comprehensive reports, with recommendations, for every hearing. They keep the focus of these cases on the children.

Post-pandemic, we have experienced a surge in substance abuse, mental health issues and domestic violence. Last year, we experienced a 137% increase in cases, serving more children (367) than we have in over a decade, and we are on track to serve even more this year. 100% of our funding comes from competitive grants, donations and events. A $10,000 grant would cover the cost of one year of advocacy for five children.

Total Project Budget: $733,491

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Fairfax County Government, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, VOCA funding (Federal), The Newburger Schwartz Family Foundation, The Fairfax County Department of Family Services

Project Duration: on going
Geographical Area Served: Fairfax County, Virginia
Age Group To Be Served: 0-21

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Darcy
Contact Last Name: Hubbard
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: 5712356120
Contact Email: dhubbard@casafairfax.org