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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Aug. 30, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA) of Mendocino County enjoyed the swearing in of its first volunteers for its long-awaited expansion into neighboring Lake County.
The ceremony, which took place at the Lake County Courthouse, was performed by Commissioner Vincent Lechowick and was witnessed by many of the attorneys and social workers who currently work with delinquent and dependent children in Lake County.
Prior to taking their oaths, the first class of volunteers completed the 30-hour CASA training program.
This comprehensive technical training is designed to provide CASA volunteers with the necessary tools and knowledge to enable them to work in the best interests of the children they will ultimately be assigned to serve.
The training covers, but is not limited to: the history of child abuse and neglect; the laws established for child protection, which include the structure and governance of California’s Child Protection System and Juvenile Justice; and, the factors that impact children and families whose lives have been affected by these courts. Cultural sensitivity is stressed as well as how to plan an investigation and manage a case, and the role and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer.
Currently there are more than 200 Lake County children living in out-of-home placement due either to abuse or neglect, or because they need more structure than can be provided for them in their family’s home.
These children lead uncertain lives; some are in foster care, others in group homes or shelters. Many of them are separated from their siblings and most don’t understand what has happened or why. CASA programs and their volunteers across the United States exist solely to help these vulnerable children.
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, however they have one thing in common: they all have a strong commitment to stand up for these children in court, advocate for their best interests and seek to ensure that these children receive the services they need.
They strive to minimize the amount of time the children spend in placement before reaching permanency either with their biological or adoptive family; and that they are protected from any further risk of abuse. In short, CASA volunteers become an objective voice for the child in the court process as well as a consistent and caring person in the child's life.
The board and staff of CASA of Mendocino & Lake Counties congratulate its newest class of volunteers – it’s first class of Lake County advocates.
If you would like to request more information about the CASA program, please call 707-463-6503 or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
