CASA of Ventura County, Inc.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Ventura County believes that every court-dependent abused or neglected child should be safe, have permanence, and the opportunity to thrive, and have a strong, compassionate volunteer Advocate.

A CASA has four basic responsibilities to the child with whom they are matched. These are: To be a child's voice in court. An advocate provides information to the judge regarding the child's individual situation, circumstances and needs, as well as, what course of action is in the child's best interests.To investigate and report on what is in the child's best interests. An advocate reviews the child's court file and then communicates with other individuals in the child's life (social worker, teacher, therapist, parent, foster parent, etc.)in an effort to determine what is in the child's best interests.To advocate for the child: An advocate monitors the child's situation while the child is court dependent and advocates for the child in an effort to ensure that the child's individual needs are met.To be a stable and consistent adult in the child's life.An advocate acts as a mentor and provides guidance to the child during what is often a very traumatic time in the child's life.