Request a CASA volunteer for yourself!
A young person going through the foster care or juvenile justice system in San Francisco County can request a CASA volunteer no matter where they live.
What does CASA stand for?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.
What is a CASA?
A CASA is a volunteer who supports and advocates for (and with) a young person who is going through the foster care and/or juvenile justice system. CASAs are thoroughly screened, trained and you can work with your attorney about whether or not you want a CASA volunteer to stay on or come off your case at any time.
Who can be matched with a CASA?
Any young person (20 and younger) who is going through the foster care and/or juvenile justice system in San Francisco County can request to be matched with a CASA (even if you live outside of the county).
If I have a CASA, what do they do?
A CASA does a lot of different things:
Visit with you on a regular basis no matter where you live, or if you are away from a placement (you decide together how often and where to meet).
Make sure your voice and wishes are heard in court and with the people on your support team or probation officer.
Provide the court with information about your strengths and needs.
Help the people on your support team and at your school work better together.
Work with you and your team toward a safe, loving and permanent home for you while encouraging reliable, healthy relationships with caring adults.
Collaborate with you to access personalized resources in the community.
Support you to achieve the goals that you identify for yourself.
What is the benefit of being matched with a CASA?
A CASA volunteer is 100% focused on you and your case, making sure your wishes and needs are heard by the court and support team, and helping you connect with resources that can help you achieve your goals. A CASA is a safe, 100% judgement-free adult who wants to be there for you and help you succeed.
How long does a CASA serve?
CASAs commit to volunteer for a minimum of 18 months, and many serve for a longer time.
What if I have left my “approved” placement?
No matter where you may be living, a CASA volunteer works to stay connected with you.
How can I get more information?
Feel free to call Sue at 415-867-7380 or email her at sue@sfcasa.org
How do I request a CASA?
You can request a CASA referral by emailing Sue at sue@sfcasa.org or calling her at 415-867-7380. Please share with us anything you’d like for the CASA team to know in working to match you with a CASA volunteer in addition to the name of your attorney, social worker, or probation officer if possible.
“The CASA program kept me alive. I felt that all I’ve been through was for a purpose. I am filled with hope and with certainty that one day I will be someone, someone who will help other youth as I’ve been helped”. –AT, former foster youth