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Supervisor Santiago recommending the Board consider a presentation by Susan Dorsey, Executive Director, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) El Dorado. (Est. Time: 15 Min.)
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CASA El Dorado is a nonprofit corporation established in 1992 for the invaluable purpose of recruiting, screening and training volunteers to be a powerful voice for our communities' abused and neglected children, in court and in life. In fact, CASA is the only organization required by the courts to advocate on behalf of children.
The organization effectively serves our communities' children through the provision of advocacy services. After completing a thirty-hour national training curriculum and sessions of court observation, Court Appointed Special Advocates are sworn in as officers of the court by the El Dorado County Dependency Court Judge. CASAs spend an average of fifteen to twenty hours per month developing a healthy supportive relationship with the child with an essential goal to determine an outcome that is clearly in the child’s best interest. Advocates also conduct intensive research on all parties involved in the child’s life, ultimately making required recommendations to the court.
CASA El Dorado provides stability in times of chaos for our communities' children. Our advocates effectively serve as a bridge between the court room and the day to day life of the child. They become the eyes and ears for the judge; providing respected recommendations at each hearing so the court can make a beneficial decision in regard to the child’s welfare.
The most current statistical report published by The California CASA Association reflects that on average CASA programs provide services to 10% or less of the children in their County Child Welfare System. CASA El Dorado believes that all children deserve to have a champion in their corner, and we are proud to report that in 2009 our program successfully made a difference in the lives of over 80% of the children and youth in ou...
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