riversideca.gov

Boys in foster care need male mentors! Speak Up for a Foster Child in Riverside County!

Event Information

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Volunteer Advocates:

Did you know that children who need a bilingual advocate wait twice as long to be matched to a CASA? Help youth in foster care by putting your language skills to use! By volunteering with Voices for Children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, you will work with a child or teen in foster care by advocating for their needs while serving as a consistent and supportive person in their life.

Now, more than ever, youth in foster care need someone in their corner. The challenges we have all faced during this pandemic have exacerbated an already strained system, putting the needs of these vulnerable children at risk. Our volunteers spend just 10-15 hours each month on their case - but that dedicated time ensures that the needs of those youth are not overlooked and that they do not feel forgotten.

What do CASAs do?
CASAs act as factfinders for the judges, providing them with information that they may never get otherwise. CASAs gather information from Court documents, social workers’ files, and educational, medical and therapy records. They also speak with the child, family members, school officials, health providers, and other professionals involved in the child’s life. CASAs use this information, as well as firsthand observations, to advocate for the child in Court and school, and in other aspects of their lives. The CASA’s role is to consider what is in the child’s best interest and to make sure that each child’s individual needs are met.

The children we serve have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Many feel very much alone--until they meet their CASA. CASAs visit with their case children at least once a month. This provides the children with stability and consistency and allows the CASAs to better understand the needs of the children, as well as the children themselves. Some CASAs build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with their case children, much like mentors.

Learn more: Sign up to attend one of our Information Sessions at https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer/volunteer-information-session/

Contact Information

Kathi Shaner
[email protected]