Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are community volunteers who work one-on-one with children and youth in the foster care and/or juvenile probation systems. CASA volunteers devote a few hours a week getting to know one child and gathering information from everyone involved in the child's life. Volunteers are part of a team that works for the best interests of the child.
CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, screens, trains, matches, and supervises these volunteer Advocates to be the voice of our community's youth in the Santa Cruz County Court System. Advocates get to know their child’s situation and needs, help caregivers access resources to meet those needs, and advocate for the child’s best interests in Court, community, and school settings.
News & Events
When 6-year-old Mark* returned home to his mother Cindy* after 18 months in foster care, he was full of energy, curiosity, and happiness to be back where he belonged. CASA Advocate Judy’s first meeting with Mark and Cindy was at the family’s home. Cindy, who had asked for a CASA, was warm and welcoming. The three of them headed out for hot chocolate that day—and right away, they started building trust and connection.
As you know, the first quarter of 2025 has been a turbulent time for those of us in the nonprofit sector. We have witnessed threats to federal pass-through funding, cuts to essential human services that youth and families rely on, and growing fear in our community.
At CASA of Santa Cruz County, we believe that every young person deserves the support and encouragement needed to build a positive future. Kathy, a dedicated CASA Advocate with a deep background in juvenile justice, has spent years guiding youth through some of life’s most difficult transitions.
To sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter, fill in the following fields and hit submit.
Thanks, and welcome!!
