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General Agency Information |
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| 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 |
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| Primary Phone: | 831-761-2956 |
| Fax: | 831-761-2913 |
| Email: | cita@casaofsantacruz.org |
| Website: | http://www.casaofsantacruz.org/ |
Details |
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| 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 |
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| Officials: |
Felicita "Cita" Rasul Outreach Coordinator 831-761-2956Ext: 102 cita@casaofsantacruz.org |
Subject Headings |
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| 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. | |