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
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.
At 19 years old, Tim* is building a future that once felt far out of reach. Today, he is living on his own, saving money, attending college with a 3.8 GPA, and continuing to grow into the thoughtful, resilient young adult he has worked hard to become. Tim did the hard work, and CASA Advocate Amy helped ensure he never had to do it alone.
As we reflect on the first quarter of 2026, we are incredibly grateful for the community support that has allowed us to expand the populations of youth in the community we serve as part of our three-year strategic initiatives.
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