The Pacific Power Foundation has awarded $3,000 grants to CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, programs in Linn and Benton counties.

Through the CASA programs, abused and neglected children are provided with a trained and dedicated advocate who will monitor their case from beginning to end - all on a volunteer basis.

The funds from the Pacific Power Foundation will allow the programs to continue to screen and recruit highly qualified volunteers and provide the pre-service training that prepares them to advocate for an abused child.

Children provided with CASAs typically spend less time in foster care; have a greater likelihood of returning home or being adopted; are more likely to have increased self-esteem, increased achievement and the ability to make positive choices; exhibit fewer risk factors; and are more successful in school.

Democrat-Herald