The goal of CASA of Placer County is to prevent abused, neglected, and abandoned children from becoming lost in the Juvenile Dependency system and working to find them safe, permanent homes as soon as possible.
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. We train these community volunteers to become officers of the court, which allows them to advocate in dependency court on behalf of foster youth. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.
Independent research has demonstrated that children with a CASA volunteer are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care and less likely to reenter care.
From the CASA Kids
Here is what the CASA kids had to say about their volunteer when asked on a recent survey:
What I like most about my CASA is…
“He worked hard to get me back home and he never gave up.”
“She is honest to me.”
“She rocks and I love her no matter what happens!”
“She cares, she’s on my side, she’s nice, and she’s smart.”
“He says the right things to keep me focused and motivated.”
“She’s really patient and understanding.”
“She is willing to go the extra mile for me.”
Having a CASA in my life has made a difference because…
“She knows what’s best for me.”
“I actually have someone to talk to, someone that I trust.”
“I now have better grades.”
“She’s there for me every single time I call to talk to her ‘cause I need her.”
“I have someone to look up to.”
“My behavior has changed and I have improved in school and at my house.”
“It gives me someone to be with since I don’t have my parents to take me out.”
“I feel special.”
“I have someone that I know will always care about me.”
