Nonprofit for foster kids could use volunteers





ADVOCATES—CASA volunteers help foster children, above, navigate the court system.

ADVOCATES—CASA volunteers help foster children, above, navigate the court system.

An organization that gives foster kids a voice in the legal system needs more volunteers to help disadvantaged children and young adults as the new school year begins.

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Los Angeles works to improve the lives of children who have been abused and neglected by pairing them with trained volunteers who can help the youths fill their needs regarding healthcare, education and enrichment activities.

“In a perfect world, every child would have an opportunity for CASA,” said Teri Marias, a Chatsworth resident and attorney who began volunteering with the organization five years ago

Upon completing 40 hours of training, the volunteers are sworn in and are brought in at the court’s request or through an attorney or social worker to provide services that a child may need.

Volunteers have legal standing to fully investigate a child’s circumstances and can make recommendations to the court regarding how schools, the community and the legal system can best serve and support the youth, said Marias, who provides guidance to two young adults who are preparing to start college.

In 2012, California legislators extended foster care services and assistance to age 21. In order for those services to be effective, young adults need help to access them, Marias said.

Transitioning into adulthood is a challenge for any adolescent. For those who have spent years in group or foster homes and are now leaving the system, the risks are even more substantial.

According to CASA, many former foster youths wind up homeless or unemployed. They struggle with health issues or substance abuse and often are unable to pursue a higher education.

Having an advocate who can connect these youths to critical services helps to keep them safe and gives them an opportunity to succeed, said Marias, who has two grown children.

Marias works one-on-one with the youths in her charge, listening to their concerns and making sure they receive financial aid and other services they are entitled to.

“My role has been to advocate and to model that behavior for them,” she said.

Most often CASA volunteers are appointed to children who have been identified by the court system as having acute educational problems and as being at high risk for falling behind in or dropping out of school.

Volunteers work with a senior program coordinator, the school and the child’s guardians to determine where support gaps exist, and to explore all potential resources and approaches to fill those gaps, including psychological, educational, family, social and basic needs.

Being a child advocate involves an emotional investment as it allows people to delve into the life of a child, said Brian McWilliams, a spokesperson for CASA.

The nonprofit is funded entirely by community donations and grants.

About 600 children in the L.A. County foster system have their own advocates. CASA also helps about 8,000 children who are in shelter care, Williams said.

CASA volunteers must commit to at least two years of service, clear a background check and be age 21 or older. They are also required to spend 15 to 20 hours a month on their case and 12 hours of continuing education per year.

For more information about CASA and volunteering, visit www.casala.org.


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