Court Appointed Special Advocates - CASA of Santa Cruz County empowers volunteers to influence life-changing decisions for a child in foster care. CASA volunteer Advocates are everyday people, trained by CASA and then appointed by judges to advocate for the safety of children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Advocates are fully supported by a staff supervisor and are part of a team that works in the best interests of the child. CASA volunteers devote 2-4 hours a week getting to know the child and gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. Advocates stay with each case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. For many volunteers, CASA is a life-changing experience that makes a difference in our community. With just a few hours a week, you can make a lifetime of impact for a child in foster care. Sign up for an information session at www.tinyurl.com/CASAorientation www.casaofsantacruz.org