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Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County: CASA of Santa Cruz County

General Agency Information
Name: Court Appointed Special Advocates of Santa Cruz County: CASA of Santa Cruz County
Alternate Name(s): CASA
Address: 813 Freedom Blvd.
Watsonville,  CA  95076
Driving Directions
Contact Information
Primary Phone: 831-761-2956
Fax: 831-761-2913
Email: cita@casaofsantacruz.org
Website: http://www.casaofsantacruz.org/
Details
Description: Change your life and make a real difference in the life of a child in foster care

CASA volunteer 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 2-4 hours a week getting to know the child offering friendship and emotional support. CASA volunteers also work with attorneys and social workers. They review records, research information, and talk to anyone involved with the child, including parents, extended family members, doctors and teachers and gathering information from everyone involved in the child's case. From information gathered, a volunteer presents his or her best recommendations to the judge, speaking for the safety and welfare of his or her CASA child.

Advocates stay with each case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. Advocates are fully supported by a staff supervisor and are part of a team that works in the best interest of the child. 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.

We encourage people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds to learn more.

CASA's office is a private space for volunteer Advocates and children. Public visits are by appointment, Monday-Friday 9:00am-5pm.

ELIGIBILITY/REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of 21 years of age, Personal interview and screening, Commitment to spend 2-4 hours each week with the child, until case is resolved. We ask for a 2 year commitment, though most cases are closed within 12-18 months.
Mission: CASA is a child's voice in dependency court, providing advocacy, stability, and hope to children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned.
Volunteer Info: Advocates receive an initial 35 hours of training and advocates on behalf of the child until the case is resolved which can take up to two years with a commitment of 2-4 hours per week.
Languages other than English: Spanish
Accommodations for Disabled Persons: Wheelchair Access
Public Transportation: Available Within One Block
Eligibility: See Description Notes
Fees: None
Areas Served: Santa Cruz County
Physical Location: Watsonville
Officials/Contact Persons
Officials: Felicita "Cita" Rasul
Outreach Coordinator
831-761-2956Ext: 102
cita@casaofsantacruz.org
Subject Headings
Subject Headings: Abused Children
Advocacy
Child Abuse Prevention
Children
Court Appointed Confidential Intermediaries
Courts
Donation Drop Off Points
Foster Children
Furniture
Private Nonprofits
This agency was last updated on June 25, 2018.