When the “Shelter in Place” orders took effect in March, there were 148 children and youth being served by CASA of Santa Cruz County.
For many children in foster care, their CASA volunteers may be one of the few consistent adults in their lives. That hasn’t changed with this global pandemic, and the need for more volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates will continue to grow as incidents of abuse and neglect increase during times of stress and uncertainty.
Yard signs can be used to raise awareness of Court Appointed Special Advocates.
You can help raise awareness about the need for more caring, consistent adults to support local children by displaying a CASA yard sign in your neighborhood. Residents can reserve signs at casaofsantacruz.org/lawnsign or call (831) 761-2956 ex. 102. Post signs only if you have permission to post.
Court Appointed Special Advocates 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 a few hours a week getting to know one child and gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. Advocates are supported by a staff supervisor and are part of a team that works in the best interests of the child.
To learn about volunteering, go to casaofsantacruz.org/signup or call (831) 761-2956, ext. 102. All information meetings and the 35-hour training to become an advocate take place online.
Individuals and families can access resources by calling 211 or visiting 211santacruzcounty.org. To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call (831) 454-2273.