Children in New Hampshire are being placed at alarming risk every day. Things like drug addiction, mental illness and domestic violence create chaotic home environments where children are being put second to a need to get high, being improperly cared for or injured.

With a heroin and opioid epidemic running rampant through the state, CASA of New Hampshire has seen a shift in cases where these drugs are fueling crisis at home. Last year, nearly 70 percent of CASA's 692 cases involved an element of substance abuse -- be it heroin or fentanyl, alcohol, meth or otherwise.

"Our CASA volunteer advocates witness that most cases involve substance misuse and it is undeniably having a direct impact on the children," says CASA Program Director Jonelle Gaffney. "These children continue to witness drug transactions and overdoses, and are constantly suffering from neglect at the hands of their parents.  During a recent police raid, drug paraphernalia was found in a child’s toy box. One 6-year-old knew what a crack pipe was and how to use it.  All in all, our case work becomes more challenging as heroin continues to influence these families and place the children at such appalling risk."

In 2015, more than 400 volunteers stepped up to make a difference in these children's lives. A CASA volunteer is appointed to advocate for what is in the child’s best interests. The advocate becomes the “eyes and ears” of the court, making independent, objective recommendations to the judge about what is best for the child based on the information they have gathered through meeting with the child’s parents, foster parents, social workers, school teachers, therapists and more. 

CASA volunteers advocates are trained to help the child navigate this process efficiently so they may find stability in a safe, permanent, loving home as quickly as possible while enduring the least amount of trauma and upheaval. 

You have the power to help. By making a gift to CASA, you are not only giving a child a voice, you are helping to give them a better future in a home that is safe, happy and loving. 

Help us reach every child.