What We Do

CASA of San Mateo County pairs children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems with community volunteers who provide one-on-one support, mentoring and advocacy in the courtroom and beyond. Our caring and dedicated CASA volunteers help children heal from trauma and access the services they need to thrive.

Join a national network of more than 76,000 volunteers standing up for the rights of children in their community! Learn more about the steps involved to become a CASA volunteer!

The CASA Story
We see news stories every day about children who are taken from their homes because of abuse, neglect or the tragic loss of a parent to illness or incarceration. We assume there is a system that will take care of children facing these circumstances and make sure they are given a safe place to live, heal, and be a child again.

There is a story behind the story that few people speak about. It is the story of the overburdened foster care system that – though full of deeply committed people – cannot begin to meet the all of the needs of the children it serves.

It’s the story of a 6 year old who has been moved to 6 homes and 3 schools over the past 2 years. The story of a toddler separated from her siblings during the most vulnerable time of her life. The story of a child being handed all his belongings at the age of 18 and denied the support network all children are entitled to, simply because he has “aged out” of the system.

You Can Have A Positive Impact on A Child

There are ways to help. These stories can have better endings because there is a group of trained volunteers, appointed by judges to advocate for children in foster care or on probation. CASA volunteers build relationships with children who are healing from trauma and make sure their basic rights and essential needs don’t get overlooked or ignored by the system.

Join a network of committed volunteers – from all walks of life – who believe society has a fundamental obligation to each and every child, regardless of their family’s circumstances.  Join the fight to make sure that every child has the right to be treated with dignity, to be safe, and to thrive in the embrace of a loving family.

CASA Volunteers make a difference

"CASA volunteers are in our courtrooms daily assisting us with reviewing kids' progress. And that is just the tip of the iceberg compared to the good they accomplish in the community."

-The Honorable Marta S. Diaz                      
-The Honorable Clifford V. Cretan               
-Judges of Juvenile Division, San Mateo County

"Advocates enhance my work with children. The one-to-one time spent with children provides a stable and nurturing environment that helps improve their self-esteem and future hopes."

-Social Worker

"Special thanks to our CASA volunteer Ms. Margaret. It is a blessing to hear that Ms. Margaret wants to stay with James through high school. Margaret is part of our family and we all love her and she always includes the other boys when she is able. I thank God for her daily."

-Foster Parent

“Thanks for the books. Really, I like it a lot. Also thanks for looking out for me. It means a lot to me like it means to you. You have helped me a lot and I really appreciate it a whole lot, only I don’t know how to repay you. I really don’t know much about friends but if I were to have a friend it’s you. Thanks, Emily, it means a lot to me.”

-CASA Youth