On May 19th, the Hon. Rebecca Connolly swore in 15 community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care or juvenile justice.
The new members had recently completed the CASA 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) or juvenile justice court system. Advocates support and speak up for their assigned child throughout the duration of their case.
As officers of the Court, CASA volunteers spend 2–4 hours per week with their assigned child or youth, ensuring their needs are recognized, and their best interests are represented in the courtroom, at school, and in the community.
CASA encourages individuals from all cultures, professions, and ethnic and educational backgrounds to learn more and show up for a child or youth in our community.
•••
For more information on how to become a CASA volunteer Advocate, please contact Clarita Cortes at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casaofsantacruz.org/volunteer
TOP PHOTO: The new graduates are Marianne Taflinger, Sarai Zayas, Jocelyn Tafolla, Brenna Ramsey, Denia Aispuro-Quinonez, Diane Zipursky, Kenady McCall Osborne, Dana Dentino, Judy Kash, Joseph Sanchez, Julie Colligan, Carina Padilla, Nancy Fiedhoff, Amanda Cortes, and Elizabeth Solorio.