Quote from Advocate Denise:
Andrew has changed my life during the short time I have known him. His resilience after abuse and neglect is remarkable. He is a survivor and an optimist about life. With support and care, he has a chance to develop his intellect in a constructive direction.
What We Do
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Mateo County partners caring adults with children who have come under the court’s protection because their parents can’t or won’t take care of them.
Navigating the System Alone
Imagine you’ve been removed from the custody of your parents, not because of something you’ve done, but because of something awful—an alcoholic mother who can’t put food on the table for days in a row, or a father whose threats become punches.
You’re funneled into an intimidating court system filled with strangers. There’s no one to provide the love, support, and guidance you need. From now on, you’ll be lonely and scared and will have no consistent, caring adult in your life to help you navigate and overcome life’s challenges.
Many kids in this situation just give up. They get into trouble, and they’re at risk of falling into the same bad behavior as their parents and starting the cycle all over again.
You can help
Through the support of our donors, CASA helps stop the cycle.
We bring a Special Advocate into the life of a child whose parents can’t or won’t take care of him—a sort of guardian angel; a normal, everyday San Mateo County resident who spends time every week with a kid in crisis.
Advocates do ordinary things, like go to the movies or attend a dance recital… maybe for the first time in the child’s life.
But what sets a CASA Special Advocate apart is that she also gets to know the child’s world, so she can help the court provide him the best possible life under traumatic circumstances.
Mountains of cases are filed in San Mateo County Juvenile Court each year, and the resources to investigate them have dwindled dramatically. Judges are often forced to make life-determining decisions based on sparse information.
Special Advocates make sure that kids don’t get lost in the over-burdened legal system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home.
A Consistent Caring Adult
Because of CASA, hundreds of kids are better off because they have had one consistent, caring adult in their lives.
But CASA doesn’t have the financial resources to serve all the kids who need help. There are still children alone who need our support now.
What the Special Advocates Say:
Because I often pick Irene up after her soccer games or attend school functions with her, I asked her if she ever receives questions from her friends about who I am and why I am with her.
She said that people don’t really ask her, but if they do, she tells them that I am her mentor. She said that the typical response is, “What’s that?”
Irene tells them “It’s someone who looks out for me and wants the best for me.” I thought that was really touching and it put a smile on my face when she told me that because I definitely do!
What the Social Workers Say:
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.
What Foster Parents Say:
Special thanks to 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.
What the Kids Say:
Thanks for the books. Really I like it a lot. Also thanks for looking out for me. It means a lot to me as 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.