What is CASA? Who Does CASA Help? Our Goals CASA Volunteers Steps to Becoming a Child Advocate Other Ways to Help A Prayer for the Children Parenting Links Contact Us Home GIVE YOUR VOICE  TO A CHILD!

CASA of Tulare County Mission Statement CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Tulare County speaks up for the innocent children who are victims of abuse and neglect advocating for their safety and well-being by training community volunteers to represent their best interests and be their voice in court The Goals of CASA of Tulare County · To assist the Juvenile Court regarding the rights of abused and neglected children in Tulare County and to work for their best interests. · To intercede and speak on behalf of children who are dependents of Tulare County Juvenile Court. · To provide a stable, positive, adult relationship for Juvenile Court dependents and expedite their placement in a safe and permanent home. · To provide the court with background investigation/information on all "reasonable efforts" made to return child/children to their biological family. · To ensure the safety of the child and preservation of the family through reunification services, CASA provides home visits, mentoring, information and referral. CASA is committed to serving the abused, neglected and abandoned children in Tulare County coming before the Juvenile Court for protection. The purpose of CASA is to humanize the complicated, unfamilar and frightening legal and child welfare system for the child victim.  CASA provides a trained child advocate who serves as a consistent mentor, positive role model, special friend, and advocate.  CASA intervention helps identify the special needs of the high-risk child and family and investigates the communtity resources ro meet those needs. We encourage self-determination and esteem.  We provide a positive, consistent adult during this intervention.  This intensive one-on-one case management provides the court and other agencies involved with quality information and focuses on the child's need for a safe, permanent placement. Children who are rendered invisible, without a voice, do not develop self-esteem, nor learn the basic skills to cope with life.  We work to help these children realize that they matter and that their voices can be heard. SPEAK UP FOR A CHILD Everyday In America 8,200 children are reported abused,  neglected or abandoned.  500 children are placed in foster care or institutions.  5 children die from physical abuse.  To report suspected child abuse 24 hours  a day- call 1-800-331-1585