Dear Advocates:

Sheltering-in-place, hoarding toilet paper, stocking up on groceries, homeschooling our kids, all while working remotely - this has quickly become our new normal. And with this new normal comes a heightened sense of anxiety and stress.

And through it all, you continue to show up for our foster kids - thank you!

Over the course of the next week, each of you will receive a call from your CASA Supervisors asking you to participate in a needs assessment of the child(ren) you advocate for. This needs assessment will help us, as we work with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), to ensure every child receives the support and resources they need. 

How are they doing? Are they food secure? How are their families doing? Do they need toiletries? Do they have access to distance learning from their school? 

These are the type of questions we’ll be asking and will be looking to you to help us resolve.

We’re also trying to find new ways to support you so that you can continue to be there for our kids while sheltering-in-place. We’ve set up  virtual activities and remote advocacy information which we hope will help you.

We are continuing to work with Judge Schwarz as she and the other judges have set up a virtual court room. Our Court liaison staff will help you submit your court report and will help you join court hearings via conference call.

While the shelter-in-place order is in effect, you can receive updates via:
  • CASA News, our weekly e-newsletter that’s emailed every Friday;



As always, your CASA Supervisor is an email away should you have any questions.

Lastly, below is a feel good story from one of our CASA volunteers, Agustina. I hope that your virtual calls are as rewarding as the one she experienced.  

Thank you for prioritizing the health and well-being of our children!

With gratitude,
Frederick J. Ferrer
Chief Executive Officer
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley
It’s 11AM and Emily, a 5 year old foster child, is ready to try something she’s never done before - have story time via a Duo (video chat) call with her Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Agustina.
 
Phone in hand, Emily is overwhelmed with excitement as she shows Augustina her bedroom, her favorite toys and a couple of unexpected close ups of the carpet. After expending her excitement, Emily settles down and is ready for story time. 
 
With her Disney Princesses book in hand, Emily turns the pages as Agustina reads each one. At the end of the book, Emily smiles and says, “All done.” Agustina thanks her for their virtual visit and they schedule their next chat, hoping to meet again in-person soon.  
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is a nonprofit organization founded in 1986. Our mission is to provide stability and hope to children who have experienced abuse and neglect by being a powerful voice in their lives. We do this by recruiting, training and supporting Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). CASAs are matched with foster children to ensure every foster child has a mentor, advocate and voice while navigating the dependency court system.