By becoming an advocate, you can help a child have a voice in court.
“I didn’t know I had a voice until I had a CASA.”
You can make a difference in the world, one child at a time.
Nobody longs for a safe and loving family more than a child in foster care. As a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer, you are empowered by the courts to help make this dream a reality. You will not only bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children, but also their children and generations to come. And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.
Who makeS a good CASA?
Advocates come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competence and commitment. The CASA staff provides all of the necessary training and on-going support. Many volunteers find their time as an advocate helps them gain experience, which serves them in other aspects of their lives.
A message from Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
What does a CASA do?
Advocates are a consistent support for a child in their time of crisis. Advocates care deeply and work for the best interest of children who enter the court system as a result of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Advocates interview parents, teachers, social workers, and anyone else who might have insight into the needs, challenges and strengths of the child. Volunteers work as part of a team (with the professionals) to ensure the child’s best interest is being met.
They have an attorney, why do they need an advocate too?
Attorneys have many clients and seldom get to know the child they are representing. Advocates can help the attorney serve their client better. Advocates have the unique ability to focus on the needs of one child at a time. Advocates visit with their CASA child on a regular basis and develop a relationship with the child. As officers of the court, volunteers provide the judge with written reports that directly impact the decisions made regarding the child’s life. Most of all, they are a friend to the child.
we need you.
As long as child abuse and neglect occurs, the need for new advocates exists. In Del Norte County alone, there are hundreds of children going through the system every year. Our goal is to assign a CASA to every single case under our court jurisdiction. Please help make this a reality by volunteering.