Fairmont State University receives award for work supporting abused and neglected WV youth in foster care

The West Virginia Court Appointed Special Advocates (WV CASA), a non-profit organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in the state's court system, held their annual Awards Gala on Oct. 5 at Stonewall Resort. Fairmont State University was honored with the Partner of the Year Award, recognizing Fairmont State's work in support of WV's children and families.

"Fairmont State is committed to making West Virginia a great place to call home, especially for the most vulnerable West Virginians-neglected, abused, and at-risk children," said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. "That's why we initiated research to quantify WV CASA's positive impact on children in the foster system. Our commitment is also demonstrated through the recently launched Middle College, the first program in the country in which foster youth can earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree. We are honored to support WV CASA's mission of giving voice to every child in the West Virginia court system who experiences abuse or neglect."

WV CASA is a nonprofit organization whose work is mainly done by volunteers. These individuals are trained community members appointed by a judge to represent children in court. All the children served by WV CASA have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, and volunteers assist in cases where a child's placement is being determined in circuit court.

WV CASA volunteers thoroughly research each child's situation, gather relevant facts, and report their findings to the court. This information helps inform decisions regarding the child's future. Volunteers focus on ensuring that the child's best interests are met, while also monitoring the case to ensure court-ordered services are provided and reporting any new developments.

After researching each cases' unique circumstances, WV CASA volunteer recommend whether a child should be reunited with their biological parents, remain in foster care, or become eligible for adoption. Though judges make the final decision, WV CASA volunteers serve as an independent, objective voice for the child in the courtroom.

Six months ago, WV CASA approached Fairmont State University about replicating and expanding a Nebraska-based study on the effectiveness of CASA volunteerism in the court system. The study will evaluate the positive impact WV CASA has on children in the state foster care system. Using data from the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and surveys, the study is assessing WV CASA's presence across counties, estimating potential cost savings to the foster care system, and gathering feedback from judges on their interactions with CASA volunteers. The first phase of the study will conclude by Dec. 31. The results will provide WV CASA with key metrics to further improve their programs.

Fairmont State's Executive Director of Institutional Research Dr. Heath A. Howard and Special Projects Analyst Dr. Chris Kast are leading the study, in collaboration with WV CASA Executive Director Shanna Gray.

"It is a privilege to contribute to the important work CASA is doing for West Virginia's children and families," said Howard. "Through this project, we aim to provide data-driven insights that can help strengthen WV CASA's programs and further their impact on abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Together, we are working to ensure that every child has a voice and the opportunity for a brighter future."