Volunteers needed to advocate for youth living in foster care

SAN DIEGO – Community members can make a life-changing impact on a child by participating in Voices for Children’s inaugural “Your Voice, Their Future” volunteer recruitment campaign. The campaign, taking place now through May 1 for National Foster Care Awareness Month, aims to recruit new CASAs to serve 100 local youth in foster care currently on Voices for Children’s waitlist who are in immediate need of a CASA volunteer.

This year, an estimated 3,500 children will spend time in foster care in San Diego County after experiencing abuse or neglect. They are among the most vulnerable members of our community. Once they enter the dependency system, their world suddenly includes court hearings, social workers, attorneys and often new homes and schools. They need someone to step up and speak up for them during what can be a scary and challenging time.

Founded in 1980, Voices for Children transforms the lives of children in foster care by providing them with Court Appointed Special Advocates. These community volunteers – trained and supported by Voices for Children – advocate for youth in court, school, medical settings, and more to ensure their needs are met. The organization, which serves both San Diego and Riverside counties, is issuing a call for these special volunteers who often become the most consistent adult in the life of a child in foster care.

Members of the public are encouraged to learn more and take action for local children in foster care volunteering. Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers are critically needed to speak for children in court. Learn more about the requirements to become a CASA volunteer by signing up for an info session at https://www.speakupnow.org/volunteer/volunteer-information-session/.

Recommend a friend to become a CASA by filling out the short form at http://speakupnow.org/recommend.

Submitted by Voice for Children.