"It has been my privilege to work with the committed people of Humboldt/Del Norte CASA. I served on the founding board of directors and have long been a supporter of their program. The organization and its dedicated volunteers have been an effective voice for dependent children on the north coast. CASA improves the ability of abused and neglected children to succeed in the foster care system."

"It is with pleasure that I support Humboldt/Del Norte CASA. Over the years this agency has been the bright light at the end of a very dark tunnel for children who have been abused or neglected. CASA's volunteers not only advocate for children in court, but access services, provide information to the court and generally offer a safe port for those attempting to navigate the stormy waters of a system in which they have been thrust through no fault of their own. For children who are used to chaos, a CASA volunteer is truly a blessing."

"We are fortunate to have a dedicated and effective CASA program in our community. Our local CASA organization is considered a role model for other like organizations. It is difficult to place a value on the service the children of our community receive from our CASA advocates. The result of having CASA volunteers is a higher degree of reliable information resulting in better outcomes for children. To this end CASA advocates have been absolutely invaluable and I am pleased to express my support."

"The Child Abuse Services Team provides forensic interviews of children who may be victims of physical or sexual abuse. CASA is among the agencies which participate in our program, and together we are breaking ground in the investigation of, response to, and prevention of child abuse. CASA provides an important service to the children in our community by acting as advocates and representatives. It is with please that CAST lends its support to CASA."

The Humboldt County Probation Department supports the Humboldt/Del Norte CASA program. Older children in foster care require the support and help of CASA workers if they are to be successful. The Probation Department works closely with CASA to make sure the services are coordinated and the children get the assistance they need.

Child Welfare Services has worked closely with CASA since it began in Humboldt County in 1991 and supports its program. It is important for all concerned with the care and protection of children have the resources to meet the increasing needs of families and children at risk.

CASA is a very important organization in our community, providing case supervision, case management, and overall support for children involved in court proceedings. Their services have been invaluable to a number of our Public Health nursing clients, as well as on several occasions to patients from my private family practice. Their services allow children the best chance of being successes in the foster care system.

This organization has historically been successful in its efforts on behalf of children in our community who are innocent victims found within the criminal justice and family law systems. They have proven themselves invaluable time and again in their advocacy of children. It is encouraging to know that a segment of our citizens, the children, who, up until CASA, had very little representation or say so in their own lives, are now finding a voice on their behalf by way of the CASA volunteers. We wish for CASA to continue and enlarge its sphere of support for the children of this community.

CASA is a program that grew out of a perceived need, a trusted adult friend, mentor, advocate for children in the court system. As a former public defender, representing children before the CASA program was formed, I saw first hand a need for the CASA advocate. There was an unfilled role that neither myself as counsel, the social worker, probation officer, nor foster parent could meet. The trusted friend, confidant of the child who only has the best interest of the child at heart, can report the child's needs to the court. As a judge I truly value and respect the information from the CASA advocate when I make decisions affecting, perhaps lifelong, the welfare of a child.

I would like to express our strong support for CASA's work as court appointed special advocates for youth within our community. CASA volunteers provide a great service to youth caught up as innocent victims in our criminal justice and family law systems. We strongly believe that CASA's quality services to children in our foster care system give these children a better chance of becoming foster care system successes.

Having a CASA...
"First of all, being in foster care at any age is hard. But my CASA has made a big difference to me. Knowing that you have a CASA means you can call and ask questions about something in court, your care or anything else. It can make you feel better about things."My CASA and I spend some time together. Even though it's not a lot of time, we make it quality time. I don't consider my CASA worker just CASA worker. I consider her a friend that I will have after foster care."

"I like CASA because I really have someone to talk to and someone I can put trust in. CASA has helped me conquer many things I couldn't conquer on my own. I think you should become a CASA if you want to make a positive difference in a needy person's life."

Being a Client of Juvenile Court, January 2002

"I lost my first child to adoption and covered the pain with drugs. My second child was taken from me at birth and placed in foster care. I learned from my experience with my first child. With my second child I went to a clean and sober house and enrolled in a treatment program. I didn't want my child to grow up as an addict. I had to prove I could be a good mother. At first I didn't know what CASA was. CASA helped me learn what was necessary for my child. CASA would work with me to make progress as a friend helping me keep it together. CASA saw me working with my child being responsible. I would talk to CASA more than anybody else. I felt relaxed with her. I realized CASA wasn't against me. I had to prove to CASA I was working for my child by taking care of my issues. CASA was there to help me be together with my child. Soon I could let my guard down. I love CASA. CASA looked into where my child was placed in foster care and looked deeper into it than anybody and found out what was really going on in placement. CASA pushed the issue so that I could establish a healthy bond with my child. CASA was the 'hit' of my case. CASA saw my progress and helped me stand up for myself. CASA has been my world. I will miss them. CASA is a lot more than a voice in court- they protect your baby."