CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to working one-on-one with children in the foster system. As a volunteer Advocate, you’ll receive training on how to support children who have suffered from abuse or neglect and how to find resources they need. For specific training dates, Call Shanna at (530)622-9882.
The objective of the CASA is:
Advocate on behalf of children involved in court proceedings within the El Dorado County Dependency Courts.
Ensure that the best interest of the child is represented and provide necessary feedback to the court.
The role of the CASA
Be the child’s voice throughout the case.
Establish a relationship with the child through regular visitation.
Review official court records and reports regarding your case.
Gather information and provided recommendations based on your findings.
Submit written reports and be prepared to present in court.
Requirements
Must be over the age of 21
Serve as a positive representative of the CASA program and its goals, objectives and philosophy.
Successfully complete a background screening and finger printing
Complete 30 hours of training (15 classroom hours and 15 independent Study)
Attend 1 session of Court Observation
Provide current drivers license and insurance information
Our mission is to recruit, train and support caring volunteer advocates for abused, neglected and at-risk children throughout El Dorado County.
Description
When children are abused or severely neglected, they must rely on adults to help them obtain justice and services. Who deserves an advocate more than an abused or neglected child?
The heart of our program is the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a specially trained and supervised community volunteer, appointed by a Juvenile Court judge. CASA advocates make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children by researching and monitoring cases involving children in foster care.
CASA’s typically take only one case at a time, allowing ample time to gather thorough information. They build relationships with their "CASA kids" by spending time with them, gathering facts about their life so they can report back to the judge; who can then make a more-informed decision as to what services and support are in the best interest the child. These decisions can have life-altering ramifications.
