Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a national nonprofit organization and volunteer movement that began in 1976. It's founder, Seattle Superior Court Judge David Soukup, decided he couldn't endure any more sleepless nights worrying about the lifelong impact his decisions had on abused and neglected children. At that time children in foster care didn't receive the same representation in court as parents did. CASA of Santa Cruz County was founded in 1992 and it serves more than 200 children every year. CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers to provide a voice for children from age birth to age 21 who have experienced abuse or neglect and who are dependents of the court. These volunteers establish a one-on-one relationship with the child and ensure that their emotional, health, well-being and educational needs are met until they are reunited with their families or another permanent, caring home/family is found. By getting to know the child individually the advocate is better equipped to represent and support the child in all case related matters. Often the CASA Advocate is the consistent relationship the child has ever had. CASA matches around 200 children with a volunteer Advocate who provides support to them in their journey through the dependency/foster system. CASA Volunteers receive 35 hours of training, which includes understanding the dependency court process, the foster care system, and how to work with a child and be their support. The CASA Volunteer receives support from a CASA staff throughout the whole case and becomes part of our CASA family. Please contact Clarita for more information! clarita@casaofsantacruz.org