On March 16, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Timothy Schmal swore in 13 community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care.
FROM LEFT: Haley Raices, Annie Rooke, Olivia Winter, David Brodkey, Ashiana Smith, Alexandro Ochoa, Emiko Stewart, Hanna Cornell, David Coleman, LeAnn Copriviza, Nicole Irigoyen, Alicia Reithknecht, with Judge Timothy Schmal and trainer Roxy Greenspan (not holding a certificate). Not pictured: Kimberly Szabo
They all completed CASA’s 35-hour training program.
CASA of Santa Cruz County recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer Advocates who are matched one-on-one with a child in the county’s dependency (foster care) court system advocating for them the entire time they have a case open with the Court.
As officers of the Court, CASA volunteers ensure that the children’s needs are recognized and their best interests are considered in the courtroom, school, and in the community.
There is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, however people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds are encouraged to learn more.
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For information on how to become a CASA volunteer Advocate, contact Clarita Cortes at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casaofsantacruz.org/volunteer