CASA OF VENTURA COUNTY INC
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Mission Statement
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.
About This Cause
CASA of Ventura County recruits, screens, trains, supervises and supports volunteers who advocate for foster children appointed by the Juvenile Dependency Court to the CASA program. In the child’s eyes, the Volunteer Advocate is the person who can be counted on to respond to those most basic needs for reassurance, guidance, comfort, representation and advocacy in times of extreme uncertainty. Being placed in the foster care system is a time full of insecurity and stress, and the Advocate is one constant, positive presence in the child’s life until a permanent placement can be secured. CASA is the only organization of its kind in Ventura County. It is sanctioned by the Juvenile Dependency Court and functions under California Rules of Court and the California Welfare and Institutions Code. Each Advocate is thoroughly screened and receives 30 hours of training before becoming eligible to become a sworn officer of the court and assigned to a child. The Volunteer Advocate typically spends two to four hours each week with his/her child providing a continuity of love and support, and also represents the child’s best interests with the agencies and professionals involved in the child’s care and education. CASA of Ventura County serves foster children/youth of all ages, from 0-21. The work of recruiting potential volunteer Advocates and training them is an ongoing process. CASA volunteers are asked to stay with their child for one year, but most average about 18 months with their Appointee. Each CASA volunteer must spend 12 additional hours during the year attending in-service education to stay mindful of the ever-changing elements of their advocacy work. According to research by National CASA, children with Advocates receive more services, experience shorter times in foster care, are half as likely to re-enter foster care and are substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care.