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Our Mission
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When the Juvenile court Judge assumes jurisdiction and finds a child to be a dependent child of the court, many different professionals enter the case. These professionals include social workers, attorneys from County Counsel, the Public Defender's office, and attorneys for the minors, foster parents, law enforcement officials, and therapists. Everyone involved has a vested interest to represent and while their intent is to serve the child, none of these professionals have 10-12 hours per month to focus on the child's esteem, well being, personal desires/needs and interest. The Juvenile Court's objective in assigning each CASA volunteer is to provide a single consistent person who will take the time to mentor and advocate for the child, keeping the interests and welfare of the child a priority. Serving as a complement to the deposition of the case, CASAs provide the companionship and support the child needs during this time of turbulence and confusion in his/her life. The CASA program provides representation without charge to children between the ages of birth and eighteen, who are dependents of the court. CASA is one of 44 similar programs across the state and more than 900 across the United States. We are a member of the National and State CASA Associations. National and State CASA Programs |
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© 1998-2006 CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates of Sonoma County |
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In California 67,000 children are living in foster homes and small group homes.
In Sonoma County there are over 600 children currently dependents of the juvenile court.
The courts removed these children from their parents' care as a result of abuse, neglect
or the inability of the parents to care for them. Abused children are at tremendous risk
for lasting emotional trauma; trauma that is exacerbated when they are thrust into a
complex and confusing court process. To address the special needs of these children
the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA) of Sonoma County was formed.