Belonging
“CASA OC believes that all children deserve to feel a sense of belonging, which is why we focus on recruiting volunteers who reflect the demographics of the youth we serve. Additionally, we work to ensure culturally relevant programming that reflects the backgrounds of the youth we serve.”
Why is this important?
LGBTQ+ Youth & Systems Involvement:
40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+.
30% of youth in the child welfare system are LGBTQ+.
20% of youth in the juvenile justice system are LGBTQ+.
Latino Families & Language Barriers:
Language barriers can hinder understanding of the child welfare system, delaying services and permanency for youth and families.
Underrepresentation of Men at CASA OC:
45% of youth served are male, yet only 16% of volunteers are male.
A consistent, positive male influence benefits children by improving well-being, social skills, self-control, academics, and reducing drug use. (Research: Kyle Pruett, M.D. & Warren Farrell, Ph.D.)
Non-Discrimination Statement
CASA OC is committed to providing a work and volunteering environment that is free of unlawful discrimination and harassment and requires all board members, employees, and volunteers to treat each other with dignity and respect. In keeping with this commitment, CASA OC maintains a strict policy prohibiting unlawful harassment and discrimination in the workplace and volunteer screening, onboarding, and training processes, including sexual harassment, by any employee or supervisor, board member, or volunteer, and by any third parties such as contractors, guests, or vendors. In addition, any discrimination or harassment on the basis of race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religion and religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, military status, veteran status, uniformed service member status, sexual orientation, transgender identity, citizenship status, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws is also strictly prohibited. Harassment can come in many forms, including verbal harassment (e.g., epithets, derogatory comments, or slurs), physical harassment (e.g., assault, touching, impeding, or blocking movement, or any physical interference with normal work or movement), or visual harassment (e.g., images or gestures) directed towards an individual on the basis of a protected characteristic.