At CASA of the Eastern Panhandle, our mission has always been to support children and families navigating the child welfare system. Now, we’re proud to extend that support even further—with the launch of our CASA Permanency Services (CASA P.S.) program.
CASA P.S. is a post-permanency support initiative that ensures families are not left to navigate the challenges of reunification, guardianship, or adoption alone. “Once they’ve achieved permanency… CASA EP standard volunteers would typically end,” explains Sarah Pauletti, CASA-EP’s Director of Programs. “We want to stay connected with those families—to really help and support them so that they can maintain a safe environment.”
Often when a case closes, Department services stop too. Families may lose access to the professionals and advocates they’ve relied on throughout their case. CASA P.S. fills that gap, providing:
- A dedicated Family Coach
- Trauma-informed guidance and parent education
- Educational advocacy
- Mental health and resource referrals
- Community-building events
“These kids have lived some life of trauma,” said Pauletti. “Caregivers need help and someone to talk to. We want to be those people.”
The program will serve families in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties, recognizing that while some areas have existing resources, others require a more hands-on approach. CASA’s Permanency Services team will tailor their involvement based on the family’s location and unique needs.
Special thank you to the Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) Foundation, which is sponsored through the Shepherd University Foundation, who provided critical start-up funds for the launch of this program. Their support is truly immeasurable.
Ultimately, this program is about building a bridge—not just from system involvement to independence, but from instability to lasting strength.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.mycasaep.org/permanency-services/.
