CASA OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY | CASA OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

CASA OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Trains volunteers to work with children who have been removed from their homes, declared dependents of the court due to abuse, neglect or abandonment and placed in foster care.

Court Appointed Special Advocates work for a judge, alongside attorneys and social workers, as sworn officers of the court to advocate for children. Advocates receive an initial 35 hours of training and volunteer 10-15 hours per month on behalf of one child. The volunteer advocates on behalf of the child until the case is resolved.

Academic Advising, Career Counseling, Community Advocacy, Cultural and Recreational Activities, Socio Emotional Learning, Youth Advocacy/Civic Engagement, Specifically to youth and families under Court supervision or past court supervision.

Stress Busters:
Experiencing Nature, Mental Healthcare, Mindfulness Practices, Physical Activity, Supportive Relationships (Foster Youth Only)

Location

813 Freedom Boulevard, Watsonville, CA 95076

Hours

Mon 9:00am - 5pm; Tue 9:00am - 5pm; Wed 9:00am - 5pm; Thu 9:00am - 5pm; Fri 9:00am - 5pm;

Application process

Attendance at informational meeting required; apply by phone or online for more information

Eligibility

Adult (age 21 or above), be able to commit to seeing the child 2-4 hours a week for up to two years, has no felony convictions, not abuse alcohol or other substances, has a valid driver's license and car insurance(if candidate drives), not be on probation, not have any serious health concerns that could affect his/her ability to volunteer

Fee

No fee

Languages

English, Spanish

Agency info

CASA OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are everyday people, trained by CASA and then appointed by judges to advocate for the safety of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.

CASA volunteers devote 2-4 hours a week getting to know the child and gathering information from everyone involved in the child's case.