Program For Abused Kids In Santa Cruz County Needs Volunteers

WATSONVILLE, CA — CASA of Santa Cruz County is looking for volunteers who are interested in speaking up for abused or neglected children, and several information sessions are being held in Watsonville, Santa Cruz, and other county locations. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, screens, trains and professionally supervises adult volunteers who serve as mentors and advocates for more than 2,000 of Santa Cruz County’s most vulnerable children. A CASA volunteer spends time with a child each week, gathering information from everyone involved in the child’s case. CASA volunteers also work with attorneys and social workers. They review records, research information, and talk to anyone involved with the child, including parents, extended family members, doctors and teachers.

"If you have 2-4 hours a week to be there for a child in foster care, you can make a difference," CASA officials said.

Upcoming informational sessions are scheduled:

· Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. at CASA, located at 813 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville

· Tuesday, June 11, 6 p.m. at Live Oak Family Resource Center, located at 1740 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz

· Wednesday, June 12, 5:30 p.m. at CASA, located at 813 Freedom Blvd. in Watsonville

· Thursday, June 13, 2 to 3 p.m. at The Painted Cork Studio, located at 1129 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz

· Friday, June 14, 12:00 p.m. at California Coffee, located at 9105 Soquel Drive in Aptos

"Although there is a great need for bilingual and male volunteers, we always encourage people from all cultures and professions and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds to learn more," CASA officials said.