The American Medical Association states that there is “no more vulnerable group than children removed from their parents and placed in foster care”. Recent studies by Harvard Medical School found that foster youth are more than twice as likely to experience PTSD than U.S. combat veterans. Today, in Santa Clara County alone, there are 1500 children and youth whose lives are under the jurisdiction of dependency court. These are children removed from their homes due to no fault of their own. The adults entrusted with their care have not provided a safe and healthy environment.

As victims of abuse and neglect, foster children are more likely to suffer from depression, attempt suicide, use alcohol and drugs and demonstrate learning and behavioral difficulties in school. They are also more likely to commit crimes, mistreat their own children and become involved in domestic violence as adults (Santa Clara County Children’s Agenda Data Book 2017, Kids in Common).

However, the stability and support of a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is proven to improve outcomes for abused and neglected children. Studies show foster children with a CASA receive more services, are more likely to find a safe, permanent home, are less likely to experience multiple home placements, do better in school and spend less time in foster care than children without a CASA (National CASA Association).

Karen Scussel is the Executive Director of Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, a (501c3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide stability and hope to children who have experienced abuse and neglect by being a powerful voice in their lives. The agency recruits, trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) who are matched with foster children to provide critical emotional and educational support, ensuring that each child’s needs are met and their voice is heard while navigating the court dependency system.

During her 17 plus years at the agency, Karen has personally advocated for 16 foster children. Under Karen’s leadership, Child Advocates developed a five-year strategic plan to increase the number of foster children served with a CASA from 595 in 2013 to 900 by the end of 2018. The agency is on track to meet this goal.

In 2013, Karen received the Volunteerism at its Best award from the Junior League of San Jose. In 2014, Karen was named one of the 100 Women of Influence in Silicon Valley by the San Jose Business Journal. Prior to joining Child Advocates, Karen had over 25 years of human resources management and executive experience at Hewlett Packard Company and Agilent Technologies.