The SFCASA Volunteer Role

SFCASA volunteers act as mentors and advocates to children who have been victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, removed from their homes by a judge, and placed in foster care under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Juvenile Dependency Court.

Volunteers are appointed by a judge to make recommendations to the court on what is in the best interest of the child. They review records, research information, and talk to all parties involved—social workers, attorneys, judges, parents, teachers, family members, therapists, care providers, and, of course, the children themselves. For many children, the advocate volunteer may be the one constant adult presence—the one adult who cares for them and provides companionship and consistency.

Volunteers advocate to make sure the child receives the services needed to advance his or her well-being and ensure that the court approved plans for the child are being implemented. Judges rely heavily on the CASA report to make informed decisions about the case.