$23,789
Raised of $40,000
About Child Advocates
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is a nonprofit organization that serves foster children aged birth to 21 years old, who have been placed in the Santa Clara County Dependency Court System for having experienced abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. Our efforts are towards a Silicon Valley where every foster child has the nurturing support and resources needed to thrive. We work towards this by:
- training community volunteers to become Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs)
- influencing local policies and decisions that affect the children we serve
- building enduring community partnerships to broaden and strengthen our impact
A CASA is a mentor, advocate, and voice for a foster child. CASAs are issued a court order by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child in foster care. By prioritizing positive childhood experiences, CASAs are able to mitigate the impact of trauma and provide consistency, reliability, and stability for youth in foster care.
Mateo, who entered foster care at the age of one, was paired with a CASA Volunteer. He found it difficult to connect with others and his CASA realized that meeting his needs required a more hands-on approach with his family as well. While Mateo's CASA spent time offering guidance, vigilance, and support, Mateo was able to reunite with his mom. To this day, Mateo's CASA remains in contact with the both of them even though their case is now closed. Most recently, they all celebrated Mateo's fourth birthday together! *name has been changed to protect the privacy of youth*
To learn even more about Child Advocates of Silicon Valley or how to become an Advocate, please visit ChildAdvocatessv.org.