"When I grow up, I want to be a CASA. I'll bet my sister will want to be one too. Actually, I think anyone who had a CASA would want to be one. "
~ an advocate child,
13 yrs. old


  
About Us

Our Program
CASA has had a strong presence in San Mateo County since 1999. Initially our organization was part of a two county agency, Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. In March 2006, San Mateo formed its own, separate CASA organization, Advocates for Children. A member of the National CASA Association, our local CASA program operates under the authority of and according to guidelines established by the Judicial Council, as outlined in the California State Welfare & Institutions Code and in Rule 1424 of the California Rules of Court.
History Of CASA
Because of the enormous number of cases filed in Juvenile Court and dwindling resources to adequately investigate cases, judges are often compelled to make life determining decisions based on less than complete or objective information. Out of a dire need to have more information about the children appearing before him, in 1977, Juvenile Court Judge John Soukup created an Advocate program in
Seattle, Washington.

Today more than 900 CASA program offices are in operation, with trained women and men serving as CASA volunteers.

CASA volunteers are the only volunteers that are appointed by a judge and empowered to stand up for an abused or neglected child in court.

 

Over 120 San Mateo County children and youth are waiting for
an Advocate.

You CAN make a difference


 
©2006-2008 Advocates for Children, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. All rights reserved. T: 650.212.4423