Law Students Give Foster Care Youth Something to Have and to Hold

July 13, 2011 - PRLog -- The Law & Public Policy Program of Catholic University of America delivered custom filled tote bags for foster youth in the care of Prince George’s County to Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)\Prince George’s County on Thursday, July 7, 2011.  Event organizer, Cate Cravath was inspired to take action on behalf of Prince George’s County youth after writing a public policy paper on child abuse and neglect fatalities in Maryland.  

“I was so moved by the stories of horrific child deaths resulting from abuse and neglect,” says Ms. Cravath, “that I wanted to do something concrete to help children going through such difficult periods in their life. “

Children entering emergency foster care because of abuse or neglect often have to leave their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.  What few possessions they may have or gather along the way are often lugged around in trash bags, leading to the demeaning label, “trash-bag kids.”  

The tote bag supplies were provided by members of The Law & Public Policy Program, Military National Security Law Student Association, Republican National Lawyers Association, Latin American Law Student Association and Legal Services Society of Catholic University and were organized on campus as “Study Breaks” during the final exam period.    

“I'm very grateful that the Catholic Law School community was so supportive of the Totes for Tots project   because we were simultaneously able to put together wonderful care packages, and increase awareness of the child welfare system and the importance of supporting programs like CASA\Prince George's County to make sure foster care children are safeguarded.”

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)\Prince George’s County trains and matches community volunteers with children living in foster care in Prince George’s County.  “We often have people who are interested in volunteering with our program, but they do not have enough time to commit to being an advocate,” says Ann Marie Binsner, Executive Director of CASA\Prince George’s County.

Although CASA recruits volunteers for a one year commitment to a youth in foster care, community members can help in other ways by contributing time and resources. “Most law students cannot commit to our program for a year, however Ms. Cravith and her peers have provided something that our youth can hold and appreciate for years to come,” added Ms. Binsner.

If you would like to volunteer or support Court Appointed Special Advocates\Prince George’s County, please visit www.pgcasa.org or call 301.209.0491.

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Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for the needs of children living in foster care.