When a child has been the victim of abuse or neglect, Court Appointed Special Advocates — specially trained volunteers commonly known as “CASAs” — are assigned by a judge to be an advocate for the child’s well-being while their case is being addressed.
CASAs work with child protective services and the judicial system can help ensure that these children receive any and all services a court may order, interview people familiar with the child and their situation, make recommendations for the child’s placement, and provide reports to the court.
Their local programs — usually a nonprofit — will recruit volunteers, screen them, oversee their training as CASAs, and provide continued education even after, ensuring that the volunteers are committed, responsible, and safe to advocate on the children’s behalf.
When it comes to insurance coverage that nonprofits that train CASA volunteers need to keep their doors open, they have specialized needs that are unlike those of any other kind of nonprofit. That means insurance that works for another type of nonprofit may not work for them.
So, what do CASA nonprofits need from their insurance provider?
Meet three CASA nonprofits.
We talked with three NIA-insured nonprofits that train and support CASAs in their communities. Each one shared how their unique missions and day-to-day operations helped them figure out what they needed most from their insurance coverage.
In their own words…
Cass County CASA Program (Plattsmouth, NE)
“Cass County CASA advocates for children who have been abused or neglected in the Cass County Nebraska Court System. We recruit, screen, and train community volunteers to walk alongside these children and give them a voice in court.”
Key programs include volunteer advocacy, court reports to the presiding judge, and home visits, as well as providing school supplies and Christmas gifts.
— Diana Lindensmith, Executive Director, Cass County CASA Program
CASA for Children, Inc. (Portland, OR)
“CASA for Children, Oregon’s largest CASA program, supports 500 volunteers in four counties advocating for over 900 youth in foster care annually. Studies show children with CASAs receive more services (like therapy, tutoring), have fewer moves between foster homes, perform better academically/behaviorally, and are more likely to find permanent homes.”
— Kathy Finney, Finance & Operations Director, CASA for Children, Inc.
South Metro Community Foundation (Littleton, CO)
“The South Metro Community Foundation works to improve life for residents of the south Denver metro area; specifically, it partners with advocates for children/CASAs to improve outcomes for vulnerable youth existing foster care at the age of 18.
Our volunteer-run nonprofit educates its board members about the plight of foster youth in Arapahoe County, CO; conducts major community forums to educate the community about foster youth issues, fostering, and how to become a CASA volunteer; and raises funds so that advocates for children can hire navigators for youth within a year of their aging out of the foster care system, thus helping to prevent homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, and suicides.”
— Susan M. Thornton, Founder and Chair, South Metro Community Foundation
What did these CASA nonprofits need most from their insurer?
An insurer they can depend on
“Trust is what we need most from an insurer.”
— Diana Lindensmith, Cass County CASA Program
Affordability and understanding
“Most important to our nonprofit was affordable coverage prices. And an insurer that understands nonprofits.”
— Kathy Finney, Finance & Operations Director, CASA for Children, Inc.
Comprehensive coverage and reasonable prices
“SMCF was seeking comprehensive liability coverage, plus Directors & Officers’ insurance at an affordable price.”
— Susan M. Thornton, South Metro Community Foundation
How did these CASA nonprofits hear about NIA?
By reputation
“I took over this organization five years ago and had always heard good things about NIA. I’ve never felt a need to look elsewhere!”
— Diana Lindensmith, Cass County CASA Program
A broker’s recommendation
“NIA was recommended by our brokers because they specialize in some of the unique needs of nonprofits.”
— Kathy Finney, CASA for Children, Inc.
From another nonprofit
“When we needed an insurer, other nonprofits recommended NIA to us.”
— Susan M. Thornton, South Metro Community Foundation
Since becoming an NIA member, how has that relationship helped these CASA nonprofits?
Insurance made easy
“NIA uses easy-to-understand language and provides a simplified billing process.”
— Diana Lindensmith, Cass County CASA Program
Strong coverage, good prices, and responsive customer service
“We have been with NIA for many, many years. NIA has provided excellent coverage at reasonable rates and has always provided very responsive customer service. We feel confident in NIA’s nonprofit knowledge.”
— Kathy Finney, CASA for Children, Inc.
Easy renewals and strong communication
“With NIA, it is easy to renew membership each year — and their online notices are greatly appreciated.”
— Susan M. Thornton, South Metro Community Foundation
CASA nonprofits need insurance that’s designed for them.
Why do nonprofits that serve CASAs get their insurance coverage from NIA?
It’s not hard to understand: CASA nonprofits want to be able to focus on training quality volunteers and providing services to help children through difficult — and often traumatizing — times in their lives.
That means they need an insurer that provides strong coverage that’s designed especially for nonprofits, easy and accessible communications, simple billing and renewals, and, most importantly, at a price they can afford.
After all, nonprofit CASAs provide strong support for children, they need an insurer that supports them just as well!
