A CASA volunteer works with one child or youth. Spending time with them; getting to know them; finding out what they need; making sure their voice is heard. Making sure that child doesn't fall through the cracks in the system.
A CASA volunteer reviews court, medical and school records, and meets with the people involved in the child's life and informs the judge about what is going on with the case and makes recommendations regarding services and placement.
A CASA becomes a caring and on-going presence in a child's life. Very often, the CASA is the only consistent adult in that child's or youth's life while they are in foster care.
SF CASA (one of more than 900 affiliated programs around the country) recruits, screens, trains, and supervises volunteers from San Francisco's diverse communities to become both advocates and mentors for court-dependent children.
The efforts of these volunteers are directed towards helping the court assure a safe and permanent home for each child. Advocates draw attention to the child"s special needs and facilitate delivery of services to the family.
Currently there are over 1800 children in the foster care system in San Francisco. For many reasons, there is a tremendously disproportionate representation of African Americans in San Francisco's foster care system.
It's SO important for these children to have positive role models - to have support - from their own communities. A CASA's involvement impacts the child or youth for a lifetime and for generations to come...
People of color are especially needed!! According to the 2000 US Census, the child population of San Francisco is 10% African American, but the Foster Care Population is 80% African American.
Call leah@415/399-6132 or send and email to
leah@sfcasa.org to find out more about becoming an SFCASA volunteer. WWW.sfcasa.org
CASA Volunteers
* take responsibility for one child, or in some cases, siblings, whom they visit on a regular (usually weekly) basis.
* support the child throughout the court proceedings and explain these proceedings to the child.
* establish a relationship with the child to better understand the child?s needs and desires.
* review available records regarding the child's family history, school behavior, medical or mental health history, etc.
* identify and explore potential resources that will facilitate family preservation, early family reunification, or alternative family planning.
* communicate the child?s needs to the court in written reports and recommendations.
* ensure that the court-approved plans for the child are being implemented.
* investigate the interests of the child in judicial or administrative proceedings outside of juvenile court.
* communicate and coordinate efforts with the child?s social worker, attorney, and other professionals involved in the child's case.
* spend an average of two to four hours per week on their cases, visiting with their child and advocating for services.
What is Required to Be a CASA Volunteer?
* Download, print, and fill out the Volunteer Application Form.
Mail completed form to:
SFCASA
Attn: Leah Cerri
100 Bush Street
Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104
or fax it to 415.398.8068
Once we receive your application we will schedule an interview and background check.
* You must attend a 37 hour in-class training program prior to receiving a case assignment.
Examples of training class topics include...
Roles and Responsibilities of an SFCASA Volunteer (Pre-req for all other classes)
Court Panel Presentation (CPP)
Dependency Law and Procedure
Cross Cultural Communication
Family Challenges & Strengths
Impact of Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence on Families and Children
Working with Abused and Neglected Children / Mandated Reporting
Understanding Children
Collaboration and Community Resources
Communicating as a CASA Volunteer
Visit & Report on a Community Agency
Court Observation
Appropriate Professional Boundaries in Working with Youth and Families:
Behaviour & Emothional Disorders in Chldren & Adolescents
Identifying and Promoting Good Mental Health in Infants:
Exploring the Concept of Culture
Educational Advocacy
For more information, email
leah@sfcasa.org
