CASA of Contra Costa County

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates program. The Advocates are all volunteers. CASA volunteers advocate one-on-one for abused and neglected children and youth in foster care to make sure they do not get lost in the over-burdened legal system or languish in an inappropriate placement. The Advocates are the voice in court for the children and youth, and speak up for the child or youth’s best interests during the dependency process. Volunteers help reduce delays and continuances and stay with each case until it is closed and the child or youth is placed in a safe, permanent home. CASA volunteers visit weekly with the child or youth, and maintain ongoing communication with all parties involved in the case to best serve the child or youth’s interests. For the volunteer, this means a commitment of a minimum of one year and an average of 15-20 hours per month of service.