A CASA volunteer, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, is appointed by a judge to become a child's consistent support - often the only constant in a child's life. A CASA visits weekly with the child: sharing an ice cream cone, getting a library card, or just listening to the child's fears and hopes. CASA volunteers are also a strong voice in court, advocating for each child's best interest until they are living in a safe and permanent home. Last year, Santa Cruz County CASA volunteers gave more than 17,000 hours on behalf of 181 abused children.

CASA is a nonprofit agency with a dedicated seven-person staff, committed Board of Directors, and more than 150 volunteers. CASA is a proud member of National CASA Association, whose 950 member programs advocated for 270,000 children last year in the United States.