CASA Welcomes New Advocates for Children in Foster Care or Juvenile Justice

On March 3, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Judge Rebecca Connolly swore in 10 community members as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in foster care or juvenile justice. This was upon their completion of 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.

People are needed from all cultures, professions, and ethnic and educational backgrounds. To learn more and show up for a child or youth in our community and become a CASA volunteer Advocate, please contact Clarita Cortes at (831) 761-2956, ext. 102, or visit www.casaofsantacruz.org/volunteer.

TOP PHOTO (From left): Jennifer Silver-Herman, Anna Ruwe, Alejandra Rodriguez, Yolanda Morris, Angelica Ruiz, Cara Ohalloran, Jennifer Buesing Parker, Alison Sanders, Hon. Rebecca Connolly, Melody Randel, and Kimberly Byers.