CASA Training Starts Soon

Make a difference in the life of a child in foster care this year. You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers 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. Advocates are fully supported by a staff supervisor and are part of a team that works in the best interests of the child.

A CASA volunteer spends time with his or her child each week (2-4 hours on average), offering friendship and emotional support while helping the child rebuild trust and self-esteem, as well as gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. Although there is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, we always encourage people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds to learn more.

For many children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. For many volunteers, CASA is a life-changing experience that brings personal fulfillment, as well as making a positive contribution in our community.

Training begins January 26. Volunteers must attend one information meeting and complete a screening interview before being beginning training.

Upcoming Informational sessions are:

• Tuesday, January 12, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.at Live Oak Family Resource Center, 1740 17^th Ave. in Santa Cruz
• Wednesday, January 13, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at CASA, located at 813 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville
• Thursday, January 14, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.at The Buttery, located at 702 Soquel Ave. in Santa Cruz
• Friday, January 15, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.at Surf City Coffee, located at 9105 Soquel Drive in Aptos
• Tuesday, January 19, from 10:00-11:00 a.m.at Starbucks, 2024 Freedom Blvd. in Freedom

RSVP for an information session at www.tinyurl.com/CASAorientation