MISSION: Children In Placement, Inc. facilitates effective judicial review of children and families involved in court proceedings where neglect and abuse are alleged in order to promote a safe permanent home for each child.

ABOUT: A member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA), Children In Placement- CT/CASA (CIP) is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Since 1979, CIP has pursued its mission to facilitate judicial review of cases involving abused and neglected children so that each child in Connecticut realizes a safe and permanent home. In furtherance of that mission, CIP trains community volunteers to speak up for abused and neglected children in court.

On average, a juvenile court judge has approximately ten minutes to decide the future of a child. Therefore, it is important that the judge has all of the facts needed to make well-informed decisions. CIP volunteers help to provide those facts.

CIP has a presence in each of Connecticut's thirteen juvenile courts and is establishing programs in the probate courts. CIP volunteers monitor cases to determine and facilitate parent compliance with court-set expectations. CIP volunteer Guardians Ad Litem thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the life of the child, and facilitate a safe and permanent home by speaking knowledgeably in court in the best interest of the child. CIP also tracks children who are in the system to help lessen the risk of them falling through the cracks.

CIP provides an essential link between judicial and human services. It is an opportunity for the community to take responsibility for a solution: for one caring individual to truly make a difference in the life of a child and family.