CASA advocates for children, providing court appointed volunteers so each child in the dependency and juvenile court system feels cared for and connected with the people, families, and resources they need to heal and flourish into adulthood.
With 19% of County students chronically absent, in 2025 the County created Truancy Court to address the needs of families facing the most significant barriers to regular attendance. At the Juvenile Court Presiding Judge’s request, CASA, as a trusted organization will take on a new role:
Advocate for children’s best interests in the Truancy Court system to reduce barriers to school attendance, in partnership with the County Office of Education and the Santa Cruz County Court.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a community volunteer that is matched 1:1 with a vulnerable child. Under the training and guidance of the CASA organization, the Advocate provides individualized mentorship, helps navigate challenges, and connects the child and family with the resources to get on track for long-term success. CASA attends every dependency, juvenile justice, and truancy court hearing throughout the year, submitting court reports on the progress of each youth.
CASA definitely was a huge support in my success and where I'm at today. I can truly say I'm being successful and doing everything that I want to do in my life.
Heather, County of Santa Cruz
