Become an Advocate

Your advocacy can change a child’s life.

About the opportunity

Advocates are caring volunteers who are committed to providing a voice for the most vulnerable youth in our community: foster children. The role of the volunteer advocate is to ensure the child’s safety and well-being, as well as the physical, emotional, and educational needs are met during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Step 1

Inquiry & Application

Contact us for more information, we are more than happy to meet with you to discuss the program and answer any questions you may have
Visit the FAQ page for additional information, or click for an overview of the program
Download an application here
Completed applications may be emailed to Olivia Tauvinkl, Case Manager, at olivia@casasanbenito.org, mailed to the CASA office, located at 440 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA 95023.

Step 2

Interview & Screening

When your application has been received, we will contact you to schedule an interview
Interviews are more personal in nature, and designed to ensure the program is a mutual fit for both the potential advocate and organization
Please note, CASA is required to complete background and reference checks for all potential volunteers

Step 3

Training

Training sessions are general held twice a year, with classes being held in the evenings, twice a week for 5 weeks.
Training is neither pass or fail, rather, designed to equip volunteers with a thorough understanding of the juvenile dependency system, as well as provide them with the tools and resources to support them in their advocacy work

Step 4

Court Observation & Oath

Upon the completion of training, volunteers will observe an afternoon of juvenile dependency proceedings
At that time, volunteers will also take an oath and be sworn in as officers of the court

Step 5

Assignment

After volunteers have completed training and taken their oath, they will have the opportunity to read 1 – 2 case files, based on their preferences provided during training.
Ultimately, the advocate will be able to choose the case they are assigned to
Once you have selected a case, your Advocate Supervisor will arrange an introduction
After you have you have been assigned, you will continue to be supported in your advocacy work in a number of ways; please see the FAQ page for more information