Become a CASA

“Throughout my years as a foster child, things could get pretty lonely, sad, and scary. Thanks to the CASA program, I was able to build and maintain a constant relationship with someone who wasn't a social worker, group home staff, or "official" feeling. It really helped me to have a person who not only valued me and our time together, but also to advocate for me and my best interests. It is great to have someone by your side in a more fun, casual capacity that doesn't feel like a sterile, transactional relationship.”

“Trustworthy, transparent and accountable organization. We have been funding CASA for years and do not plan to ever stop. It is a wise investment and a way to support the court system as well as the hundreds of abused and neglected children that could use a voice.”

“I am a newer foster parent of a teen boy who had been living in a group home for many years. He came to live with us when he was kicked out of his group home due to his non-compliant behavior. His CASA has been a fixture in his life for years. Despite the turmoil of adolescence, made especially precarious for youth in long term foster care, my foster son has stabilized and is beginning to spread his wings. He seeks out his CASA for companionship and his CASA has a grounding effect on him. His CASA is straightforward to the court about my son's needs and we both rely on him to advocate for the services necessary to keep my son moving in a positive direction.”

“My previous youth just recently got in touch with me. Youth is a young adult with 2 children right now. She relates that things are still tough for this young lady/mom who was a baby born of a drug addicted mom but that her babies who were not drug babies and that’s breaking the cycle of substance abuse right there. The young lady called the CASA to also tell her thank you for all she did for her and that it was because of her, someone who believed in me and told all the parties in my case that I was worth fighting for, that I changed my life and now have my own family to support in a future that is not like her past.”

“As Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude for your service as volunteer in the Sonoma County CASA Program. Your deep concern as child advocates, trainers, board members office staff, interns, consultants, or supervisors contribute to the successful futures of children in the Dependency and Delinquency Courts. Thank you to all of the dedicated staff and volunteers who spend their valuable time assisting children in the CASA Program.”

“It has been my privilege as Presiding Judge of the Sonoma County Juvenile Court over the past 9 years to train, swear in and work closely with the Sonoma County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. The individuals that volunteer their time to the program are profession, dedicated and caring and make a great difference in the lives of the youth they serve by presenting a positive role model. As a Juvenile Court judge, I could not begin to do my job and make decisions about what is in the best interest of the youth I see, without a CASA’s input and their perspectives. CASA’s are and will always remain an important part of the Juvenile System.”