CASA Volunteer Programs – July 11, 2017

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Sonoma County
Ongoing volunteer opportunities

The Sonoma County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program is committed to serving abused and neglected children coming before the Juvenile Court for protection and rehabilitation services.

The purpose of the CASA program is to humanize the complex child welfare system for the child victim by providing a trained volunteer who will act as a consistent role model, advocate, and potential life connection.

CASA volunteers are in a unique position because they provide information not usually available to the Juvenile Court. Because of the growing number of cases filed in Juvenile Court and dwindling resources to adequately monitor the cases, judges find the CASA volunteers to be positive complements to providing the information necessary to make better-informed decisions.

In addition to our services to abused and neglected children, the CASA program works to provide community education and awareness concerning the issues of child abuse, neglect and child welfare policy. We are also committed to working toward public policies that promote child abuse prevention and addressing reforms in the Juvenile Dependency/Foster Care system.

Become a CASA
As a Court Appointed Special Advocate, you would establish and maintain contact with a child, interview his or her parents, social workers, teachers, and others, and submit a written recommendation to the court outlining what is best for the child. You would become the “eyes and ears” for the judge and help ensure that “your” child does not become lost in the court system. If you care and have about 10 hours a month to spend, being a CASA can be very gratifying work.

Become a Volunteer
There are numerous ways to help CASA. We have a continual need for office help, people who can volunteer a half day each week on a regular basis. In addition, we need people to help coordinate fund raising and other activities.

Become a Friend of CASA
Friends of CASA sponsors annual fund raisers including Hearts for Children and others… Corporate/business sponsorships through event underwriting are greatly needed. You could also assist by attending the events, serving on a committee, or donating merchandise or services to be used as auction items.

For more information:
Court Appointed Special Advocates Sonoma County
P.O. Box 1418
Kenwood CA 95452
(707) 565-6375
http://sonomacasa.org/
info@sonomacasa.org

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