Agency Details:

Each year, 600-800 San Mateo County children enter the foster care system as a result of abuse and neglect.
Advocates for Children trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers (CASA) who mentor and speak up for these children.

Description:
Advocate volunteers watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children to make sure they do not get lost in the over-burdened legal system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. Advocate volunteers maintain ongoing communication with all parties involved in each case to best serve the child’s interests and best identify and address the child’s needs. For many children, their Advocate volunteer may be the one constant adult presence – the one adult who cares only for them and provides companionship and consistency.

History:
CASA has had a strong presence in San Mateo County since 1999. Initially our organization was part of a two county agency, Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. In March 2006, San Mateo formed its own, separate CASA organization, Advocates for Children. A member of the National CASA Association, our local CASA program operates under the authority of and according to guidelines established by the Judicial Council, as outlined in the California State Welfare & Institutions Code and in Rule 1424 of the California Rules of Court.

Contact person: Elizabeth Nolan, Program Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

1515 S. El Camino Real, Suite 201 San Mateo, CA 94402 (See a map)

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

Directions:

We are located in the Appleone building at 1515 El Camino Real, Suite 201, San Mateo, CA. 94402. We are on the second floor. From Highway 92, exit El Camino Real North and turn right. Turn right on 16th Avenue and make almost an immediate left into the parking lot behind the building. You may park in the lot or in the parking garage in any unmarked space. Enter the building through the door facing the parking lot and take the stairs or elevator to the second floor.

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Spanish
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?
	Yes

Last updated on October 6, 2009