Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are community volunteers who work one-on-one with children and youth in the foster care, juvenile probation, and/or truancy court systems. CASA volunteers devote a few hours a week getting to know a child, gathering information from everyone involved in the child's life, and works as part of a team for the best interest of the child or youth. Advocates help youth and caregivers access resources to meet their needs and provide opportunities for healing.
CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, screens, trains, matches, and supervises these community volunteers to advocate for our community's youth in the Santa Cruz County Court System.
Impact Stories
It has been over two and a half years since I began in my internship. Two and a half years of CASA have become an invaluable part of my life. Two and a half years of getting to know the staff and being there to celebrate with them. Two and a half years of being a small part of something so important—something that does so much good.
June is the month when we celebrate families reuniting after separation in the foster care system. We are so grateful to CASA Advocate Britney for dedicating her time to assist a teen during the sensitive time of reunification.
For many youths, turning 21 does not mean the challenges of foster care suddenly disappear. As they age-out of systems of support, these youth are left navigating housing insecurity, financial hardship, and the pressures of adulthood without the consistent guidance most young people rely on. These challenges are often compounded by the lasting impacts of trauma, neglect, and instability.
To sign up to receive our monthly e-newsletter, fill in the following fields and hit submit.
Thanks, and welcome!!
