CASA of Fresno County was established in late 1996 with one full-time staff member and a handful of volunteers.  In 2005 the California Judicial Council granted us CASA of Madera County.  Today CASA employs 11 full-time staff and is supporting and equipping more than 100 volunteer advocates as they speak for the best interests of over 300 of the approximately 3,000 abused and neglected children in foster care in Fresno and Madera Counties.

Our volunteers come from all backgrounds and every walk of life.  These dedicated men and women work diligently to ensure that the needs of Fresno and Madera's most vulnerable population of children are not further neglected or compounded by an overwhelmed and unresponsive system.  Teaming up with social workers, attorneys, foster parents, therapists, doctors, teachers, and the myriad of other individuals responsible for the care of foster kids, they labor to make certain the children for whom they are advocating have the best possible chance at a happy, healthy, and successful future.  They believe that this is an opportunity every child deserves, because every child counts!

What do CASA volunteers do?

Once a volunteer completes the 40-hour specialized training program they are sworn in as an officer of the juvenile court and can then begin their duties as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for a child or sibling group.  The primary role of CASA volunteers is to establish a consistent and supportive relationship with the children for whom they are advocating.  The reality for many children in foster care is that of changing social workers and foster parents and a host of other individuals coming in and out of their lives.  CASA volunteers commit to 18 months of service as a child advocate, thus providing these children in need with one consistent and unchanging person to support them in their journey through the foster care system.  As volunteers spend time with children, they are able to understand their specific needs and formulate recommendations to the court on their behalf.  CASA volunteers are granted specific powers so they can quickly and effectively facilitate the well being of the children for whom they have been assigned.