CASA Casework Resources – Riverside County

Before completing any funding request, please reach out to your Advocacy Supervisor.

• Computer2Kids (C2K) provides children with access to computers. Studies show that, even taking into account socioeconomic status, children with home computers perform at higher academic levels across the board. C2K has developed a wide range of programs that address assisting families in providing their children the best resources possible. Outside of computers, C2K provides education, training, and technical support, all with the goal of providing children higher chances for future success.
• iFoster has a mission to ensure that every child growing up outside of their biological home has the resources and opportunities they need to become successful, independent adults. iFoster provides a free platform of resources for foster care youth, caregivers, and organizations. Resources and provisions include cell phones, internet access, internship and employment placement programs, Transitional Age Youth (TAY) AmeriCorps program, and online resource portal.
• TAY Emergency Housing and Homeless Prevention Funding
• Voices for Children has a partnership with One Simple Wish (OSW), a national online wish program for foster youth. Voices for Children can post wishes on behalf of our case children with the hope that a generous donor will select and fulfill their wish. Examples of some of the wishes granted to our case children are: mechanic’s tool set, Zoo passes, theater tickets, YMCA fees, high chairs, walkers, children’s bedding, and iPods. The wishes can be from $5-$380 and are available to all open dependency cases, Non-Minor Dependents (NMDS), Juvenile Justice youth, and children placed with parents. Please email your advocacy supervisor for more details on how to submit a wish on behalf of your case child.
• Children’s Enrichment Fund The purpose of the CEF is two-fold: (1) to provide a resource of last resort for children with unmet needs, especially those related to education, job readiness, or extra-curricular activities and (2) to promote volunteer retention by alleviating some of the frustration that CASAs experience when cost is a barrier to meeting the needs of their case children. A VFC fund to cover expenses for unmet needs that will enrich the lives of our foster youth. Examples include funding for science camp, cap and gown for graduation, senior activities, an extra-curricular activity, and school supplies. This is a flexible fund meant to enhance the academic or day-to-day experiences of our youth. Note that requests can be any amount, but that those over $50 must be approved by the Riverside County Children’s Enrichment Fund (CEF) committee. Approval of these funds depends on the amount of money that is in the CEF account. To ensure that funds are fairly accessible to all children, please note that applications will not be accepted if the case child has received funding from this account in the past year. Funding to start the CEF account has been provided by an anonymous donor.  The donor restricted the use of funds for this purpose.  Those funds cannot be used for any other purpose.