Court Appointed Special Advocates of Sacramento (CASA of Sacramento)

Join your local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Sacramento program and a nationwide network of over 85,000 CASA volunteers in the fight against child abuse and neglect. CASA is a research-based, effective program of trained, competent, court-appointed community volunteers stepping forward to deliver greater efficiency in government systems, and significantly improved outcomes for the abused and neglected children they serve. Attending an orientation is the first step in becoming a CASA volunteer.

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is an official part of judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. The volunteer talks with the youth, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors and others involved in the youth’s background who might have facts about the case. The volunteer reviews all court facts about the case and the volunteer also reviews all court documents pertaining to the case. He or she then is expected to submit formal reports to the Judge at every scheduled hearing/review. The CASA volunteer continues to monitor the case to assure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the youth, and that court-ordered services are provided to the youth and family. The CASA is an invaluable resource for the attorney for the youth and social worker in reaching their goals for permanency.

Benefits:

There are many benefits to volunteering as a CASA. These include the opportunity to:

• Make a difference in the life and future of a youth who has been a victim of abuse and/or neglect
• Help a youth find permanency in a safe, loving home
• Assist judges in obtaining a clear picture of a youth’s life and needs
• Gain an understanding of the courts, legal proceedings, and social service agencies
• Develop/utilize communication skills
• Develop/utilize assertiveness
• Utilize your past experience/skills
• Form friendships with like-minded people in your community
• Have access to training statewide
• FREE CASA Volunteer Training Program comprises 35 hours of classroom and online training and includes the following topics: Introduction to CASA; Child Development; Court Report Writing; Educational Advocacy; Sex Trafficking; Relationship Building; Early Intervention Training; Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); Child Welfare Services; Dependency Law; Courtroom Procedures/Court Files; Diversity; Cultural Competency Training; Advocating for; Transitional Age Youth; Advocating for LGBTQ Youth; Domestic Violence; Substance Abuse.

If you have questions please call or email the following:

• Phone: 916.875.3011
• Email: Fernando@sacramentocasa.org

Video Overview: https://youtu.be/AfbPW19vgk0