CASA & COVID-19

7/1/2021 Update:

At this time, in-person visitation for advocates and children may resume using provided organizational guidelines. The safety of our advocates and the safety of the children and families we serve is our first priority. Should you have any questions, please contact Esther Curtice or Olivia Tauvinkl at 831-637-4992.

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Dear Friends of CASA,

Quite a bit has changed in these past few months, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is CASA’s commitment to advocacy and supporting foster children from San Benito County. To ensure the health and safety of our volunteers and children served, as well as maintain compliance with San Benito County’s shelter in place order, CASA has temporarily suspended in-person visitation; however, our volunteers are working diligently to ensure their assigned foster youth are receiving support and services during this time, here’s how:

• Advocates are staying connected to youth via phone calls, text messages, Skype, note cards, etc. Advocates are also maintaining communication with the child’s caregivers, social workers, therapists, and other assigned professionals.
• Information, updates, and additional resources are provided to advocates to support their advocacy efforts.
• Advocates are maintaining activity logs and submitting reports, providing updates and important information related to their casework. Advocates are also attending court hearings via Zoom.

As we move forward, learn, and adapt, we want to thank you for your continued support of CASA and foster children from our community. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 831-637-4992 or esther@casasanbenito.org.

Wishing you good health,

Esther Curtice, Executive Director

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According the the UN and UNICEF, “Hundreds of millions of children around the world will likely face increasing threats to their safety and wellbeing – including mistreatment, gender-based violence, exploitation, social exclusion and separation from caregivers – because of actions taken to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.”