At any given time approximately 1,800 abused and neglected children are navigating the uncertain waters of the Child Welfare system here in Tulare County. Through no fault of their own these children have become part of a large and overburdened network whose decisions will affect the rest of their lives. One by one trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are stepping up to ensure that these children have the best possible chance at a bright future.

CASA’S MISSION

To speak 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.

In the 2006 calendar year, CASA of Tulare County represented 679 children with the most urgent of needs providing them with a powerful voice, 268 were under the age of 5. Since January 1 of 2007, CASA has already represented 325 children from the dependency court; unfortunately there are still over 100 children on the priority waiting list.