El Dorado County (Dec 4 2023) – In 1992, fueled by a passion for justice and a commitment to the welfare of vulnerable children, Judge Patrick Riley laid the foundation for CASA El Dorado. For more than 30 years, this organization has been a steadfast pillar of support, empowerment, and advocacy for abused and neglected youth and families in the community.
Central to CASA El Dorado’s impactful program is the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a specially trained and supervised community volunteer appointed by a Juvenile Court judge. These advocates play a pivotal role in researching and monitoring cases involving children in foster care and the Juvenile Justice system. By establishing caring and consistent relationships with their “CASA kids” and spending quality time with them, these advocates gather essential information about their lives to present to the judge. Elevating the child’s voice in court enables the judge to make more informed decisions regarding the services and support that are in the best interest of the child, decisions that can have life-altering ramifications.
In El Dorado County, where approximately 1 out of every 145 children is in foster care, CASA El Dorado stands as a defender of hope for these vulnerable children. Often hailing from socioeconomically disadvantaged families marked by issues like substance abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness, these children face traumatic circumstances that necessitate the support provided by CASA advocates.
CASA El Dorado, proud to be the beacon of hope for nearly 200 children each year, acknowledges the critical role its advocates play in bringing positive change to the lives of the community’s most vulnerable. Executive Director Amy Pooley emphasizes the urgency, stating, “With so many youth in crisis, CASAs are needed now more than ever.”
For those inspired to join this dynamic and dedicated group of volunteers, the requirements are clear: individuals must be at least 21 years of age, successfully complete the CASA training program, pass an extensive background check, and, most importantly, have a heart to serve. As CASA El Dorado extends an invitation to potential advocates, emphasizing the ongoing need for selfless individuals, interested parties can explore more about the organization and the advocacy journey at CASAElDorado.org. Here, the opportunity to become a beacon of hope awaits, empowering volunteers to make a lasting impact in the lives of those who need it most.
