Male Role Models Needed for Youth in Foster Care

CASA Campaign to Recruit 20 Volunteer Advocates by Nov. 1

CASA of Santa Cruz County is looking for a few good men to volunteer as Advocates for children and youth in the foster care system. So often, children removed from abusive homes have no positive male role models in their lives.

Although half the children in foster care in Santa Cruz County are boys, only 20% of Court Appointed Special Advocates are men. CASA needs to recruit 20 men to be a part of the next Advocate training, which begins on November 1.

“With most of the children that are seen in dependency court, their primary parent is the mother,” said The Honorable Denine Guy, a judge in the Superior Court of Santa Cruz County. “For a boy to have a male CASA makes all the difference in the world.”

Volunteer Advocates spend approximately 2-4 hours a week with a child or youth with whom they’ve been matched. The volunteer builds a bond with the child, and advocates on their behalf in their school, with their caregivers, and in the court.

“We’re not looking for athletes or movie stars,” said Jimmy Cook, CASA’s Program Manager. “We’re looking for men that have the time and the ability to step in a room, and just be there for a child.”

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That man could be you. Watch the video at www.casaofsantacruz.org and contact CASA today: cita@casaofsantacruz.org or (831) 761-2956, ext. 102.