When a child is removed from their home due to abuse or neglect, they enter the foster care system, and life as they know it is turned upside down. A judge now makes all the decisions that affect their life — from where they go to school to when they can see a doctor and whether or not they can participate in sports or other activities. Judges do this with the help of hardworking attorneys, social workers, and — most importantly — Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, volunteers.

Last year in Riverside County, 431 of these incredibly special community members stepped up and provided life-changing advocacy for a child in foster care. However, nearly 6,000 children will have to navigate the foster care system in Riverside County this year all on their own. Voices for Children is the sole provider of CASA volunteers for the Riverside County court system.