About SFCASA

Learn about the history of San Francisco CASA, our approach, as well as organziational information.

We speak up to protect children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are placed in San Francisco’s foster care.

Foster care is a temporary legal arrangement that tries to provide children a safe supportive environment when their families cannot.

Who is in the foster care system?

60,000 children

in foster care in California

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By 18, many of these children have lived in multiple homes, attended 9 different schools, and have had 7 different social workers, on average.

919

of those children were in foster care in San Francisco last year

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360

children in the system were paired with a CASA volunteer

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60

children are waiting for a CASA to advocate for their needs

Change the life of a child in foster care

Become a volunteer

We believe in the power of a 1:1 relationship

Watch this video to learn about the real, personal impact that one caring adult — and why consistent advocacy matters — to one child in foster care.

Do you want to be part of the solution?

Learn about what it’s like to be a CASA, stories directly from San Francisco volunteers and youth, and how to get started.

Learn more

How we advocate for youth during and after SFCASA

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Advocacy for in-system youth

SFCASA empowers community members to support youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system. Our Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are trained volunteers who advocate for foster youth’s best interests in court and help them access essential services. In the past year, 351 CASAs supported 361 young people, ensuring they have a consistent adult presence in their lives. 

Juvenile Justice Program

Our Juvenile Justice Program helps justice-involved youth by providing CASAs who facilitate probation completion and educational success.

Educational Rights Holders

Our Educational Rights Holders (ERHs) make critical decisions for foster youth, helping them remain connected to their education even when they change schools. 

Leadership Development

SFCASA’s Youth Empowerment Board offers 6 youth a year-long leadership development program, while giving them a voice and perspective to SFCASA’s staff, board and volunteers. 

Foster Youth Tax Project

Our Foster Youth Tax Project provide free tax filing services for current and former foster youth ages 18-25, helping them secure refunds while gaining financial literacy.

Advocacy for family preservation 

SFCASA is committed to strengthening families and preventing unnecessary system involvement. Through our collaboration with the SF Family Treatment Court (FTC), we help families affected by substance use reunify and avoid long-term foster care. In the last year, 35 families received support, with remarkable success rates for reunification. 

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Post-system support 

To help foster youth transition successfully to adulthood, SFCASA offers long-term support through our CASA Connections Program, helping young people maintain relationships with advocates beyond the court system.  