Resolution 260310

..Title Recognizing and honoring CASA for Children of Philadelphia County on its 20th anniversary for its outstanding service, advocacy, and commitment to ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of children in Philadelphia's foster care system. ..Body WHEREAS, For the past 20 years, CASA for Children of Philadelphia County (CASA Philadelphia) has provided critical advocacy for children in the dependent court system, ensuring that young people who have experienced abuse or neglect receive individualized support, consistent adult engagement, and a voice in decisions impacting their lives; and WHEREAS, CASA Philadelphia's trained volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates work tirelessly to promote safety, permanency, and well-being for children in foster care by offering objective recommendations to the Court, monitoring progress toward permanency, promoting educational stability and success, and elevating the needs and wishes of each child they serve; and WHEREAS, Over two decades, CASA Philadelphia has positively impacted thousands of children, including those facing the greatest barriers youth with disabilities, teenagers aging out of care, children involved in both child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and young people navigating disrupted schooling, trauma, or multiple placements; and WHEREAS, CASA Philadelphia has become a trusted partner to the Courts, child-serving agencies, caregivers, and educators across the City, providing training, collaboration, and advocacy rooted in the belief that every child deserves stability, dignity, and the chance to thrive; and WHEREAS, CASA Philadelphia has strengthened its impact through innovative programming, expanded volunteer recruitment, specialized educational advocacy, and increased focus on addressing inequities affecting children and families involved in the foster care system; and WHEREAS, The organization's achievements are the result of the dedication and vision of its founders, board members past and present, volunteer advocates, staff, community partners, donors, and judicial and child-welfare leaders who have supported its mission over the past 20 years; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and recognizes the 20th anniversary of CASA for Children of Philadelphia County and commends the organization for its steadfast commitment to advocating for the most vulnerable children in our City. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution shall be presented to CASA for Children of Philadelphia County as evidence of the sincere respect, gratitude, and admiration of this legislative body. ..End