Each year, thousands of abused or neglected children in Contra Costa County come under the Court’s care because they are unable to live safely at home. Imagine what it would be like to lose your parents, not because of something you did, but because they cannot – or will not – take care of and protect you. Then into the lives of these children come dozens of strangers: police, foster parents, social workers, judges, lawyers and more. For some, one of these may be a CASA volunteer.

CASA volunteers watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children to make sure they do not get lost in the over-burdened legal system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. CASA volunteers help reduce delays and continuances and stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. CASA volunteers maintain ongoing communication with all parties involved in each case to best serve the child’s interests and best identify and address the child’s needs. For many children, their CASA volunteer may be the one constant adult presence – the one adult who cares only for them and provides companionship and consistency. For the volunteer, this means a commitment of a minimum of 2 years and 15-20 hours per month of service.

Because of the enormous number of cases filed in Juvenile Court and dwindling resources to adequately investigate cases, judges are often compelled to make permanency-planning decisions based on less than complete or objective information.

In addition to our services to abused and neglected children, the CASA program works to provide community education and awareness concerning the issues of child abuse, neglect and child welfare policy. We are also committed to working towards public policies that promote child abuse prevention and address reforms in the Juvenile Dependency/Foster Care.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is established to advocate for abused and neglected children in the Juvenile Court process.  Through the use of highly trained volunteers, CASA is committed to providing all abused and neglected children with a voice in Court.

In support of our mission, CASA of Contra Costa County is committed to:

• Serving 200 children per year.

• Ensuring effective networking with the Contra Costa County Juvenile Court,  the Children and Family Services Department, the Child Abuse Prevention Council, and other agencies.

• Advocating for the rights and needs of all children, regardless of race, religion, disability or sex.

• Providing minimum 30 hour training program to educate volunteers about the duties and responsibilities of becoming an advocate for abused and neglected children.

• Providing supervision, case consultation, in-service training, and team support to volunteers.

• Increasing public awareness of CASA and the needs of abused and neglected children.

• Nurturing the development of a culturally competent and diverse organization.