What Can You Do?

You can help children in the Sacramento Juvenile Dependency System by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate and speaking up for them in court. Advocates must be 21 years or older, and possess a valid California drivers license and insurance (if planning to transport a child by car). They need to have the ability to work with a child, family members and professionals using concern, tact, and basic human relations skills. Advocates can not be currently providing services to children in the foster care/dependency system.

An Advocate must have the ability:

• To communicate clearly both verbally and in writing to the court and others as needed. The ability to speak another language is desirable, but not necessary.
• To respect and relate to people from various economic, cultural and educational backgrounds in a variety of settings.
• To gather and accurately record factual information regarding the child’s case and to maintain OBJECTIVITY at all times.

Advocates must attend training including:

• A one hour orientation
• Criminal history clearance
• An interview process
• A one hour orientation

30-35 hours of in-classroom training covering:

• A Juvenile Dependency Court observation
• Advocacy and the Law
• Awareness
• Court Process/Monthly and Court Reports
• Sexual Abuse and the Developing Child
• Learning/Behavior Disorders
• Substance Abuse
• The Social Worker’s Role
• Cultural Awareness
• The Role of the Attorney
• Mock Case Assignment
• Survival as an Advocate

Time Commitment – Minimum of one year:

We ask that Advocates commit one year to the program and the child(ren) they serve. They can spend anywhere from three months to 2 years on a case, depending on the circumstances. Advocates need to be consistent and committed to maintaining a confidential, caring and professional relationship with all parties involved with the case.

Diversification and Policy:

In order for Sacramento CASA to represent the best interests of children in the juvenile court proceedings, Advocates must be cognizant of, and sensitive to, the child’s frame of reference, including his/her heritage, culture, ethnicity, religion, family structure and/or disability. Advocates must also be able to communicate sensitively with the child’s needs to the court. Because we live in a multicultural society, Sacramento CASA must be multicultural. Therefore, the Sacramento CASA Program will strive to achieve an advocate base that reflects the diversity of the children in the judicial and county welfare systems as well as in the Sacramento community. Advocate services will be made accessible to all individuals regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic situation, or disability. Cultural awareness and competency will be an integral component of all training for board members, staff and advocates. The SCASA Program will strive to achieve as wide a diversity as possible in its board and staff composition, activities and publications.