Honoring 45 Years of Advocacy in San Diego County and 10 Years in Riverside County
Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. For 45 years in San Diego County and a decade in Riverside County, Voices for Children (VFC) has stood alongside children in foster care. At the heart of our work are Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers — community members who advocate on behalf of the youth they serve in courtrooms, classrooms, and communities. In FY24-25, over 1,200 CASAs supported more than 2,300 children across both counties. Behind each number is a child whose life changed because one caring person chose to show up.
In San Diego, what started 45 years ago as a small initiative has evolved into one of the most prominent and respected CASA programs in the nation, trusted by the courts and deeply rooted in the community. Our volunteers are expertly trained in trauma informed advocacy, equipping them to meet the complex needs of children today.
In Riverside County, what began just 10 years ago has grown into a vibrant program powered by community engagement. A key driver of this momentum recently has been one of the most effective recruitment tools: word of mouth. Time and again, new CASAs say they were inspired to join because someone they trusted shared how life-changing the role can be. As more people hear these personal stories, awareness deepens, and more individuals are motivated to take action.
Read the full report and be inspired by our CASA volunteers, caring community members whose dedicated resolve ensures that every child’s future holds the promise of safety, belonging, and hope.
Honoring 45 Years of Advocacy in San Diego County and 10 Years in Riverside County
Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. For 45 years in San Diego County and a decade in Riverside County, Voices for Children (VFC) has stood alongside children in foster care. At the heart of our work are Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers — community members who advocate on behalf of the youth they serve in courtrooms, classrooms, and communities. In FY24-25, over 1,200 CASAs supported more than 2,300 children across both counties. Behind each number is a child whose life changed because one caring person chose to show up.
In San Diego, what started 45 years ago as a small initiative has evolved into one of the most prominent and respected CASA programs in the nation, trusted by the courts and deeply rooted in the community. Our volunteers are expertly trained in trauma informed advocacy, equipping them to meet the complex needs of children today.
In Riverside County, what began just 10 years ago has grown into a vibrant program powered by community engagement. A key driver of this momentum recently has been one of the most effective recruitment tools: word of mouth. Time and again, new CASAs say they were inspired to join because someone they trusted shared how life-changing the role can be. As more people hear these personal stories, awareness deepens, and more individuals are motivated to take action.
Read the full report and be inspired by our CASA volunteers, caring community members whose dedicated resolve ensures that every child’s future holds the promise of safety, belonging, and hope.
“I’ve been through a lot of downs in my life, and he’s been there every step of the way. My CASA just being there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The world needs 100% more CASAs.”
– EMANUEL, A FORMER YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE
“I’ve been through a lot of downs in my life, and he’s been there every step of the way. My CASA just being there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The world needs 100% more CASAs.”
– EMANUEL, A FORMER YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE
OUR IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
OUR IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
45 Years of Speaking Up for San Diego’s Children
For 45 years, Voices for Children (VFC) has been a powerful advocate for children in San Diego County’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Through its Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, VFC ensures children in foster care have a consistent, caring adult by their side — someone who listens, speaks up, and stands up for their needs.
What began in 1980 by law student Kathryn Ashworth and social worker Elizabeth Bacon has grown into one of the nation’s most comprehensive CASA programs. VFC now serves children from birth through age 21, thanks to public and private support. Specialized services include advocacy for infants and toddlers, early assignment of CASAs to new cases, and support for young adults in extended foster care. In recent years, the CASA model expanded into the juvenile justice system, providing consistent, compassionate advocacy for youth navigating complex challenges.
A Decade of Dedication
Ten years ago, Riverside County’s most vulnerable children lost a vital support when the previous local CASA program closed. Voices for Children (VFC) stepped in, determined to fill that gap and ensure every child in foster care had a voice in court and in the community.
From humble beginnings, the VFC Riverside County CASA program has grown into a thriving program with 18 dedicated staff members, three fully operational offices, and an expansive volunteer network. This transformation has been driven by responsive leadership, authentic community partnerships, and a steadfast belief that every child deserves consistent, trusted advocacy, especially during the brief and formative years of childhood.
45 Years of Speaking Up for San Diego’s Children
For 45 years, Voices for Children (VFC) has been a powerful advocate for children in San Diego County’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Through its Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, VFC ensures children in foster care have a consistent, caring adult by their side — someone who listens, speaks up, and stands up for their needs.
What began in 1980 by law student Kathryn Ashworth and social worker Elizabeth Bacon has grown into one of the nation’s most comprehensive CASA programs. VFC now serves children from birth through age 21, thanks to public and private support. Specialized services include advocacy for infants and toddlers, early assignment of CASAs to new cases, and support for young adults in extended foster care. In recent years, the CASA model expanded into the juvenile justice system, providing consistent, compassionate advocacy for youth navigating complex challenges.
A Decade of Dedication
Ten years ago, Riverside County’s most vulnerable children lost a vital support when the previous local CASA program closed. Voices for Children (VFC) stepped in, determined to fill that gap and ensure every child in foster care had a voice in court and in the community.
From humble beginnings, the VFC Riverside County CASA program has grown into a thriving program with 18 dedicated staff members, three fully operational offices, and an expansive volunteer network. This transformation has been driven by responsive leadership, authentic community partnerships, and a steadfast belief that every child deserves consistent, trusted advocacy, especially during the brief and formative years of childhood.
Stories from Our Program
An Act of Advocacy, a Life Saved
CASA Susie’s advocacy ensured that Lexi’s health became a priority. Because of CASA Susie, Lexi is now receiving the lifesaving care she urgently needed.
From Adversity to Achievement
With CASA Will by his side, Jack graduated in June 2025 with a 4.06 GPA and was accepted to several universities, including his top choice.
Advocating for Family, Ensuring Permanency
CASA Barbara’s tireless, child-centered advocacy ensured a temporary placement for Ana, Alice, and Athena became a forever family.
Stories from Our Program
An Act of Advocacy, a Life Saved
CASA Susie’s advocacy ensured that Lexi’s health became a priority. Because of CASA Susie, Lexi is now receiving the lifesaving care she urgently needed.
From Adversity to Achievement
With CASA Will by his side, Jack graduated in June 2025 with a 4.06 GPA and was accepted to several universities, including his top choice.
Advocating for Family, Ensuring Permanency
With CASA Will by his side, Jack graduated in June 2025 with a 4.06 GPA and was accepted to several universities, including his top choice.
Serving our region's youth in foster care
Service in San Diego County
Last year alone, over 1,206 children received personalized support from more than 800 trained CASA volunteers. These dedicated advocates participated in court hearings and Child and Family Team meetings, collaborating with professionals to ensure each child’s voice was heard. CASA volunteers are equipped to address issues like trauma, behavioral health, disrupted education, and family instability, always with the goal of safe, permanent, and loving homes.
VFC’s work aligns with kin-first culture, reflecting a modern, child-centered approach that prioritizes family preservation and timely reunification. CASA volunteers are recognized as essential partners in the child welfare system, earning the trust and praise of numerous community partners.
Collaboration is at the heart of VFC’s success. None of this would be possible without the tireless commitment of volunteers, staff, partners, donors, and community leaders working together to protect and uplift our most vulnerable children.
Service in Riverside County
As we celebrate this decade of impact, our mission is clear: to meet the rising needs of children entering care by strengthening our capacity and broadening our reach.
With continued community support, VFC has reached key philanthropic milestones, which enabled the opening of a third office, the expansion of staff, and the creation of a pivotal new role: the Distance Advocacy Specialist (DAS). This role has been transformative, ensuring that even children placed far from home, including as far away as Northern California, receive consistent, compassionate support.
In FY24–25, VFC proudly served 730 children across Riverside County. Of those, 35 received dedicated support from our Distance Advocacy Specialist, ensuring that, regardless of where a child is placed, they remain supported and prioritized.
A decade ago, we stepped into a moment of urgent need. Today, we stand firm, amplifying the voices of hundreds of children and creating brighter futures.
Serving our region's youth in foster care
Service in San Diego County
Last year alone, over 1,206 children received personalized support from more than 800 trained CASA volunteers. These dedicated advocates participated in court hearings and Child and Family Team meetings, collaborating with professionals to ensure each child’s voice was heard. CASA volunteers are equipped to address issues like trauma, behavioral health, disrupted education, and family instability, always with the goal of safe, permanent, and loving homes.
VFC’s work aligns with kin-first culture, reflecting a modern, child-centered approach that prioritizes family preservation and timely reunification. CASA volunteers are recognized as essential partners in the child welfare system, earning the trust and praise of numerous community partners.
Collaboration is at the heart of VFC’s success. None of this would be possible without the tireless commitment of volunteers, staff, partners, donors, and community leaders working together to protect and uplift our most vulnerable children.
Service in Riverside County
As we celebrate this decade of impact, our mission is clear: to meet the rising needs of children entering care by strengthening our capacity and broadening our reach.
With continued community support, VFC has reached key philanthropic milestones, which enabled the opening of a third office, the expansion of staff, and the creation of a pivotal new role: the Distance Advocacy Specialist (DAS). This role has been transformative, ensuring that even children placed far from home, including as far away as Northern California, receive consistent, compassionate support.
In FY24–25, VFC proudly served 730 children across Riverside County. Of those, 35 received dedicated support from our Distance Advocacy Specialist, ensuring that, regardless of where a child is placed, they remain supported and prioritized.
A decade ago, we stepped into a moment of urgent need. Today, we stand firm, amplifying the voices of hundreds of children and creating brighter futures.
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”
– HEATHER FRENCH HENRY
“Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.”
– HEATHER FRENCH HENRY
Our Financials
During FY24-25, Voices for Children received generous financial support totaling $9,499,063. Because of you, we provided advocacy to more than 2,300 children living in foster care across San Diego and Riverside Counties.
Voices for Children is funded primarily by support from individuals, private foundations, businesses, and service groups who believe in our mission and join us in investing in our community’s children. We are grateful for their contributions, which impact thousands of lives and will continue to make a difference for years to come.
Additionally, we apply and compete for government grants to recruit, train, and support CASAs for children in San Diego and Riverside Counties. We are grateful to receive support from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services through the U.S. Department of Justice, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), along with various Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and other grants awarded by our state, county, and city jurisdictions.
Our Financials
During FY24-25, Voices for Children received generous financial support totaling $9,499,063. Because of you, we provided advocacy to more than 2,300 children living in foster care across San Diego and Riverside Counties.
Voices for Children is funded primarily by support from individuals, private foundations, businesses, and service groups who believe in our mission and join us in investing in our community’s children. We are grateful for their contributions, which impact thousands of lives and will continue to make a difference for years to come.
Additionally, we apply and compete for government grants to recruit, train, and support CASAs for children in San Diego and Riverside Counties. We are grateful to receive support from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services through the U.S. Department of Justice, Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), along with various Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and other grants awarded by our state, county, and city jurisdictions.