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The San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (SFCASA) serves children who have been victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment and placed under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Juvenile Dependency Court. In a unique and cost-effective approach, SFCASA (one of more than 900 affiliated programs around the country) recruits, screens, trains, and supervises volunteers from San Francisco’s diverse communities to become both advocates and mentors for court-dependent children.

The efforts of these volunteers are directed towards helping the court assure a safe and permanent home for each child. Advocates draw attention to the child’s special needs and facilitate delivery of services to the family.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming an SFCASA Volunteer please join us at one of our upcoming 45-minute information sessions.
Please note: meetings are held at different locations which are updated and posted on our website under Volunteer Training R.S.V.P. to Mr. Karey Fenderson or 415-399-6136.
 

What Do CASA Volunteers Do?

CASA Volunteers

• take responsibility for one child, or in some cases, siblings, whom they visit on a regular (usually weekly) basis.
• support the child throughout the court proceedings and explain these proceedings to the child.
• establish a relationship with the child to better understand the child’s needs and desires.
• review available records regarding the child’s family history, school behavior, medical or mental health history, etc.
• identify and explore potential resources that will facilitate family preservation, early family reunification, or alternative family planning.
• communicate the child’s needs to the court in written reports and recommendations.
• ensure that the court-approved plans for the child are being implemented.
• investigate the interests of the child in judicial or administrative proceedings outside of juvenile court.
• communicate and coordinate efforts with the child’s social worker, attorney, and other professionals involved in the child’s case.
• spend an average of two to four hours per week on their cases, visiting with their child and advocating for services.

What is Required to Be a CASA Volunteer?

• Download, print, and fill out the Volunteer Application Form.
  Mail completed form to:
  SFCASA
  Attn: Kelley Mullin
  100 Bush Street
  Suite 650
  San Francisco, CA 94104
  or fax it to 415.398.8068
• Attend a 45 minute information session. Read more under the Volunteer Training tab.
• You must attend a 39 hour in-class training program prior to receiving a case assignment.
• You must commit to serve on your case for 18 months or until a permanent plan has been implemented.
• You are expected to attend all court hearings. (This requires some flexibility during the day. The number of court hearings will vary depending on the status of the case. Most of your time with the child can be spent in the evenings and on weekends.)
• You are expected to consult regularly with staff concerning your assigned case.

For more information, contact Kelley Mullin at (415) 399-6132.