Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Mariposa County  was established in 2004 to serve the needs of children who are placed as a dependent in our juvenile dependency system.  Many of these children, for their own protection and through no fault of their own, have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care.   

CASA of Mariposa County recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA volunteers.

CASAs are appointed by the Juvenile Court to report their observations and recommendations to the court.  Volunteers advocate for what they believe to be in the child's best interests and are responsible for providing mentoring and support to the child, facilitating the delivery of services ordered by the court, and advocating for the best interests of the child in court situations as well as educational and other issues that may affect the minor.

CASA volunteers maintain regular visits and communication with the child they serve, getting to know the child as an individual.  CASAs  can be involved with a child for several years, and are often the most consistent and important person in the child's life.

Volunteer advocates are a powerful voice for children.  CASAs provide emotional support, stability, and nurturing that every child needs during an extremely challenging situation.

 

You too can make a difference in the life of a child!