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.
I am excited to share that our work in Truancy Court is already leading to meaningful change. One young person we met last spring was withdrawn and disengaged and had not attended school for a few years. He had also become involved with the juvenile-justice system, meaning he was a dual-status youth with simultaneous involvement in two court systems. With CASA support for him and his family, including connecting him to healthcare, mental health services, and housing resources, he began to reconnect. The youth returned to school and gained confidence. By early 2026, he progressed so much that he was able to successfully complete the terms of both his probation and truancy cases, officially ending his court involvement.
CASA is now also an Enhance Care Management (ECM) Medical provider with the Central Coast Alliance for Health, giving us new avenues to fulfill our mission to connect youth to the resources they need to heal and flourish into adulthood. This work will ensure that the youth we serve are connected to medical care, mental health services, and community resources to improve overall health outcomes. We are so grateful to be able to deepen our support to individuals and families with complex health needs.
We continue to explore new ways to support systems-involved youth in our county, informed by our Community Council. This council, comprised of individuals with lived experience in the Dependency Court, has helped us learn what youth and families need and shape new directions. And we couldn't be more pleased to have our staff remain stable over the past three years, creating a strong foundation for growth and allowing us to continue evolving as a responsive learning organization.
In January, we welcomed three new members to the CASA Board of Directors. Kathy Schlepphorst is a retired family law attorney who brings years of board experience to CASA. Julie Jimenez is the Director of Sales & Marketing at Chaminade Resort & Spa and a 10-year Santa Cruz County resident. Ximena Ireta-Lopez is the Senior Manager, People Operations, at Digital NEST. We are so honored that they chose CASA for their board service.
Last quarter, we served 134 children, 21 children of whom were newly assigned, waiting only a median of 26 days from referral to match.
· 2 were aged 0-5
· 3 were aged 6-11
· 16 were aged 12-18
· 64% of children and youth served this quarter were Hispanic or Latino.
· 55% were in Dependency Care, 36% were in Juvenile Justice, 5% were in Truancy Court, and 4% were in more than one court (dual status)
On behalf of everyone at CASA and the children and families we serve, thank you for believing in our mission and for believing every child deserves opportunity and hope. We are so excited to lean into our new services together. If you would like to learn more, please contact me to schedule a meeting or attend an informational gathering.
We hope you will join us in community, sunshine, and exercise at the Move for CASA. Come take a stroll with us on Saturday, May 2 at 10 am at Elkhorn Slough. Registration is free and appreciated for the headcount!
Visit www.casaofsantacruz.org/moveforcasa to learn more, register, or donate.
