PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate for children who have been abused and neglected, from birth to 18 years of age, including all races, genders, and ethnicities. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) safeguard the interests of Butler County's most vulnerable children, whose situations are so threatening they are referred to the protective jurisdiction of the courts. These children are victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and oftentimes fall through the cracks in the court and in the child protective systems. CASA volunteers provide a voice for children in court and look out for their best interests. The goal of PARACHUTE is to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect, with the purpose of guiding the child through the system, and providing them with a safe, permanent, and nurturing home in a timely manner. 

In 2020 - 2021, PARACHUTE served 386 children from multiple school districts. 

• 94% of the CASA volunteers’ recommendations for court ordered services were accepted by the court.

• 98% of our CASA volunteers had consistent contact with their CASA child(ren).

• 96% of the children with a CASA volunteer had a voice in court.

• 90% of the children’s cases closed in 2021, ended up in a safe, permanent, and nurturing home.

• 99% of the children were reported safe from harm, with no recurrence of abuse.

• In 2021, CASA volunteers attended 467 court hearings to speak up for a child’s best interest.

A report was not submitted.