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
In early 2025, CASA of Santa Cruz County shared a blog outlining the challenges that lead to teenagers in foster care being placed outside the county. Since then, several developments have made the situation even more difficult for youth who need stable placements close to home.
It is our honor to share the profiles of post-secondary students who, thanks to our donors, each received a CASA Scholarship in 2025. These resilient students have had previous involvement in either the foster care or juvenile-justice systems of Santa Cruz County and are working toward brighter futures.
Tony is an incredibly resilient teen. Despite the instability, trauma, and the lifelong medical condition he has navigated, he is a sweet and friendly kid with strong friendships.
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