CASA of San Benito County is honored to be a recipient of the Covid-19 Relief Recovery Grant from Community Foundation for San Benito County and United Way of San Benito County. Funding from this grant supports part of CASA’s operations, and has enabled the organization to purchase technical equipment for advocates, including tablets with video/camera capabilities, headphones, and video conferencing software for advocates to maintain face-to-face communication and personal connection with their assigned child or children and their caregivers, as well as participate in child & family team meetings, teacher conferences, and meetings with other assigned professionals.
Because youth have lost regular contact with mandated reporters such as teachers, coaches, and medical providers, the risk for abuse has increased drastically. The organization is now experiencing an influx of children entering the dependency system as the shelter-in-place and additional restrictions are lifted. Advocacy for children in care has never been more important and it is imperative advocates have the necessary tools in order to continue providing consistent support for foster children, ensuring their safety, well-being and needs are met. There is no other organization in San Benito County providing this service, and the support from the Community Foundation and United Way for Covid-19 relief is vital to the CASA program to continue advocating for children who need it most.
