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Mission

Mission. Yolo County CASA is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court System. Vision. Our vision is to ensure that every child in Yolo County lives in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment.

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Mission

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  1. Mission • Yolo County CASA is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that advocates for the best interest of abused and neglected children within the Juvenile Court System

  2. Vision • Our vision is to ensure that every child in Yolo County lives in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment

  3. Objectives • These children have been abused, neglected, or abandoned • CASA volunteers fill a crucial need simply by being a friend, a role model, and a voice.

  4. Goals • Increase the number of Volunteers recruited and sustained • Provide advocates to foster children in Yolo County • Increase Community awareness involvement in foster care as well as child abuse and prevention issues.

  5. Background Information • Yolo County CASA was founded to engage the community in what is going on in foster care. • We have around 415 foster kids in Yolo County • Our organization is working to advocate for them all • Yolo County CASA facilitates and supervises the connection between community volunteers and Yolo County Foster Children

  6. Background Information • Yolo County CASA is a part of a national network of more than 50,000 volunteers and serves over 225,000 foster children with more than 900 programs. • More than 70% of Yolo County Foster kids are living outside the county and state which leads to inconsistencies in service • The Network of CASA organization serves more children than the Big Brothers and Big Sisters

  7. Background Information • We have trained a total of 450 Volunteer Advocates since 1997 and provided advocacy services for more than 600 children. • We hope to expand our program to work with as risk youth in West Sacramento as well.

  8. Facts about 2009-2010 • Yolo County CASA volunteers donated nearly 5,000 hours of volunteer time in FY 2009-2010. • These hours represent a donation to our county of more than $115,000.00 (based on the currently recognized volunteer rate of $22.79/hour. • In 2009-2010Yolo County CASA provided advocacy and mentor services for 120 children, an increase of 5% over 2008-2009.

  9. Role of a CASA • Yolo County CASA recruits, trains and supervises community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for children who are in court due to abuse and neglect. • The goal of every case is to find a safe, permanent home for the child.

  10. Role of a CASA • A CASA volunteer provides a judge with carefully researched background details about the child to help the court make a sound decision about the child’s future. • Through case review, talking to people in the child’s life, and developing a relationship with a child, a CASA volunteer is able to bring that child’s voice and real life experience to court.

  11. Role of a CASA • Assess Placement: how well is the child doing in his/her foster home, group home, with a parent, relative, or near kin; how does the child get along with adults and other children. • Follow-up Details: examine issues such as connections with siblings, reactions towards reunifying with parents; attention to medical or dental needs. • Track Educational Progress: work with teachers, schools, and foster parents for greater success in school; ensure youth’s educational rights are upheld.

  12. Role of a CASA • Foster Healthy Lifestyles: promote extra-curricular activities, pursuit of interests, model positive conflict resolution. • Empower Children: encourage children to speak up for their needs and take a positive stand for their future. • Report to the Judge: provide him/her detailed information and more personal observations with which to make decisions.

  13. Qualifications: • Minimum age 21+ • DOJ finger printing/ background check • Reliable transportation/ clean DMV/ Proof of insurance • Attend orientation and training • 18 month commitment

  14. Cost involved • CASA’s cost to recruit, screen, train and supervise a CASA volunteer for one year is $2,260. • CASA’s cost to serve a child for one year is $ 1280.

  15. Ways to Get Involved • Become a CASA volunteer/ Intern • Make a Donation • Serve as a Board member • Become a friend of CASA

  16. Ways to get involved • Identify prospects • Attend/Sponsor/Assist with Special Events • Invite our Speakers Bureau to speak with members of your organization

  17. New Program • Yolo County CASA will be starting the new Mentors Bridging Access Independent Living Project for foster youth 14-21 in the summer of 2010

  18. Contact Information • For more information please contact Pam Nardinelli, Training & Recruitment Coordinator (530) 661-4346 (direct line) or pamn@yolocasa.org www.YoloCASA.org

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