The SFCASA program serves children who have been victims of abuse, neglect, or abandonment and have been placed under the jurisdiction of the SF Juvenile Dependency Court. SFCASA recruits, screens and trains community volunteers to become advocates and mentors for these children. Advocates' efforts are directed towards helping the court assure a safe and permanent home for each child and to draw attention to the child's special needs and facilitate delivery of services to the family.

Description:
SFCASA serves children and youth who are in the foster care system.


A CASA Volunteer works with one child or youth. Spending time with them; getting to know them; finding out what they need; making sure their voice is heard. Making sure that child doesn't fall through the cracks in the system.

A CASA becomes a caring and on-going presence in a child's life. Very often, the CASA is the only consistent adult in that child's or youth's life while they are in foster care.

Currently there are over 2400 children in the foster care system in San Francisco. For many reasons, there is a tremendously disproportionate representation of African Americans in San Francisco's foster care system.

It's SO important for these children to have positive role models - to have support - from their own communities. A CASA's involvement impacts the child or youth for a lifetime and for generations to come...

Come find out more about the role of a CASA volunteer at an orientation.

• CASA volunteers take responsibility for one child, or in some cases, siblings, whom they visit on a regular (usually weekly) basis.
• CASA volunteers support the child throughout the court proceedings and explain these proceedings to the child.
• CASA volunteers establish a relationship with the child to better understand the child’s needs and desires.
• CASA volunteers review available records regarding the child’s family history, school behavior, medical or mental health history, etc.
• CASA volunteers identify and explore potential resources that will facilitate family preservation, early family reunification, or alternative family planning.
• CASA volunteers communicate the child’s needs to the court in written reports and recommendations.
• CASA volunteers ensure that the court-approved plans for the child are being implemented.
• CASA volunteers investigate the interests of the child in judicial or administrative proceedings outside of juvenile court.
• CASA volunteers communicate and coordinate efforts with the child’s social worker, attorney, and other professionals involved in the child’s case.

What is required to be a CASA volunteer?

• A CASA volunteer must be 21 years of age or older.
• A CASA volunteer must have an ability to work with children, parents, family members, and professionals using concern, tact, and basic human relations skills.
• A CASA volunteer must have the ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural, educational) in a variety of settings.
• A CASA volunteer must have the ability to gather and accurately record factual information and maintain objectivity.

What time commitment is required?

• You must complete a 40-hour in-class training program prior to receiving a case assignment.
• You must commit to serve on your case for 18 months or until a permanent plan has been implemented.
• You are expected to attend all court hearings. (This requires some flexibility during the day. The number of court hearings will vary depending on the status of the case. Most of your time with the child can be spent in the evenings and on weekends.)
• You are expected to consult regularly with staff concerning your assigned case.

You must
• Keep the case supervisor informed of case developments
• Submit monthly logs and a briefcase summary
• Be aware of your case deadlines and timetables, and
• Submit court reports on time (three weeks prior to hearing)

Volunteers spend an average of 10 - 16 hours each month on their cases.

We realize that becoming a CASA volunteer is time consuming and requires a serious commitment on your part. If at any time during the screening/training process you decide this program is not suited for you, please feel free to discuss your feelings and concerns with staff.

History:
SFCASA is a volunteer based organization with demonstrated expertise in case management and with experience working with high risk youth and their families, as well as with the juvenile justice system, Department of Public Health, the School District, and community based organizations providing needed services to foster children in San Francisco.

SFCASA recruits volunteers from all of San Francisco's culturally diverse communities. Volunteers are rigorously screened, complete 36 hours of classroom training and 12 hours annually of in-service education, and, supervised by a licensed Case Supervisor, prepare Case Plans for their assigned clients based on comprehensive assessment of individual need and background. One of over 900 affiliate agencies of the National CASA Association, SFCASA operates in compliance with National CASA Association Program Standards, with Judicial Council of California Rule #1424, and with local rules of court. We are co-signatories of Memoranda of Understanding with the Juvenile Dependency Court and the Department of Human Services.

Contact people:

Leah Cerri, Volunteer Recruitment And Training Coordinator, (phone), (email) Karey Fenderson, Program Assistant, (phone), (email) Corrine Inabinet, Office Manage, (phone), (email)

Main office number: 415/398-8001
Office fax number: 415/398-8068

Address:

100 Bush Street Suite 650 San Francisco, CA 94104 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.sfcasa.org

Directions:

We are located at the corner of Battery and Bush.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Montgomery Bart/Muni,   Walk distance (in minutes): 3   Nearest Bus Stop: Multiple Major Routes, 3 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Spanish, Tagalog
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	21
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	No