Executive/Council Action Form (ECAF)
ITEM TITLE:
Title
Motion 22-426, approve and authorize the County Executive to execute the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem Association for Children 2022-2023 Growth Grant Award
body
DEPARTMENT: Human Services
ORIGINATOR: Joelle Kelly
EXECUTIVE RECOMMENDATION: Approved by Lacey Harper 09/29/22
PURPOSE: The National CASA/GAL Growth Grants are for addressing an increase in children needing to be served and the need must be substantiated in a current organization/program growth plan to support either the development of CASA/GAL programs, expansion of programs, addressing gaps in service or increase service capacity.
BACKGROUND: In Washington State child dependency and termination cases, state law mandates that the child shall be appointed a guardian ad litem or CASA volunteer to advocate for the child's best interest during the case [RCW 13.34.100]. At any given time in Snohomish County, there are approximately 650 children in the juvenile dependency court system. Currently, there are approximately 270 children waiting for their volunteer CASA, but do not have one due to an overwhelming shortage of volunteers.
The Growth Grant awarded by National CASA provides funding for a Marketing Specialist and outreach expenses for the purpose of recruitment and diversification of the depleted volunteer pool. This grant provides the opportunity to grow and diversify the CASA volunteer pool while also providing financial resources to help bring the Office of the CASA into statutory compliance with WA State RCW 13.34.100.
PLEASE NOTE: Initials are required at the bottom of each page. Page ten (10) requires signature by Dave Somers in the Grantee section and signature by Council Chair in the Board President/Governing Body Administrator section.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
EXPEND: FUND, AGY, ORG, ACTY, OBJ, AU
2022
2023
Total
124-50704730xxxx (Various Exp DACs)
$27,840
$64,960
$92,800
TOTAL
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