Tuolumne County Needs a Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program More than Ever

In Tuolumne County, we care deeply about our children and the future of our community. Most children grow up surrounded by consistent support from family, teachers, and trusted adults. However, for some children, abuse or neglect disrupts that foundation, leading them into the foster care system. These children often face uncertainty, multiple placements, and frequent changes in schools and caregivers.
 
In California, more than 60,000 children are in foster care at any given time and often experience multiple placement changes, leading to disruptions in education and healthcare. Even in a small, rural county like ours, a child in this situation represents a profound responsibility for all of us. This is where the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program plays a critical role.
 
CASA is a volunteer-driven program that trains community members to advocate for children in the foster care system. Once appointed by a judge, a CASA volunteer works one-on-one with a child. They build a relationship, spend time understanding the child’s needs, and connect with caregivers, teachers, and service providers. They then provide recommendations to the court, focused on the child’s best interest: advocating for educational stability, access to mental health services, or placement decisions that support long-term well-being. A CASA volunteer is often the one consistent adult in a child’s life during a time of great uncertainty.
 
 Beyond advocacy, CASA volunteers help bring moments of normalcy into a child’s life with simple outings such as going for a walk, visiting a park, sharing a meal, or attending a local event together. These experiences may seem small, but for a child carrying stress, uncertainty, and worry, they can provide a sense of stability, relief, and even joy. They remind the child that they are seen, valued, and not alone. Research shows that children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to succeed in school, receive needed services, and find safe, permanent homes. They are also less likely to re-enter the foster care system.
 
 To understand the impact, consider a common scenario. A child enters foster care after a crisis and is placed in a new home, becoming disconnected from their school and support system. They begin to fall behind academically and feel cut off. A CASA volunteer meets with the child regularly and learns how important their previous school and teacher were to them. The volunteer brings this forward to the court and advocates for school stability and tutoring support. Because of that advocacy, the child can return to a familiar environment, regain confidence, and begin to stabilize both emotionally and academically. Along the way, the volunteer may take the child out for a simple afternoon at the park or a local event, creating space for the child to just be a kid again. This positive impact occurs because someone consistently shows up and pays attention.
 
 In rural communities like Tuolumne County, the need for CASA can be even more pronounced. Distance, limited resources, and workforce challenges can make it harder for children to access consistent advocacy. CASA helps bridge that gap by ensuring that each child has a dedicated adult focused solely on their well-being.
 
 Currently, Tuolumne County is one of only five counties in California that does not have a CASA program. This does not reflect a lack of care; rather, it presents an opportunity for our community to build something that ensures every foster child has someone in their corner. As a community, we can begin conversations with our local partners, including Child Welfare Services, the District Attorney’s Office, and the court, about what it would take to bring CASA to Tuolumne County. Together, we can commit to making it possible. Some children need additional support; I believe our community could provide it.
 
 Serving as a CASA volunteer in Calaveras County has been one of the most meaningful and unexpectedly joyful experiences of my life. It has given me a front row seat to the difference one caring adult can make and deepened my belief that every child deserves that same level of support. Walking alongside a child during a difficult chapter, listening, making sure they know they matter, and simply showing up, consistently and without judgment, has shown me how powerful a steady relationship can be. Amid difficult circumstances, I’ve seen moments of connection, laughter, and real hope.

CASA reflects the best of a community. It is neighbors helping neighbors and individuals stepping forward to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life. Whether through volunteering, supporting the program, or raising awareness, each of us can play a role. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard. CASA helps make that possible, one child at a time.

SOURCES

1. “Foster Care Facts,” Children’s Law Center of California.
2. “Show Up for a Child in Foster Care,” Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), California.