Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) are members of the community who volunteer to mentor and advocate on behalf of children and youth in California's foster care system.  CASAs are screened, trained, and supervised by the local and statewide CASA offices.  CASAs aim to ensure children in the foster care system have both a voice and the services they need for a stable future.

CASAs adhere to strict confidentiality laws in California and are also mandated reporters.

If you believe that a child or youth in foster care may benefit from a relationship with a CASA, you may:

1. Speak to the child/youth's county case worker and his/her attorney about requesting a referral from the juvenile dependency judge;
2. You may contact the CASA Program Director of your county CASA organization; and/or
3. File a JV-180 Request to Change Court Order with the juvenile dependency clerk to make the referral request.

See California Court Rule 5.655 for specifics on California CASA requirements.

See the Advokids' local rules page to learn more about CASA appointments and rules specific to your county.

For more information, contact California CASA or your local CASA office. Search for CASA programs by county. 

 

Online Trainings:

NEW: How to Access the Juvenile Court: A Legal Training For Caregivers: This 1.5-hour training covers federal and state laws that afford foster caregivers the right to information about the child in their care and the right to participate and to be heard in juvenile court. Learn more.