How did Voices for Children come to be involved with Riverside County?
In August 2014, the Superior Court of California, Riverside County, and Judicial Council of California asked San Diego-based Voices for Children (VFC) to rebuild the CASA program in Riverside County in order to continue providing services for the thousands of children in foster care who need support in the region. This request came not only because of VFC’s geographic proximity to Riverside County, but also because VFC is a model program, both regionally and nationally. Since that time, VFC’s Riverside County CASA program has grown year-over-year. It now serves more Riverside County children in foster care than many programs that have been in existence for decades.
What is the agreement between Voices for Children and Superior Court of California, Riverside County, to continue CASA services in Riverside County?
In 2015, VFC entered into an agreement with the Superior Court of California, Riverside County, as the sole organization authorized to recruit, train, and support CASAs who speak up for abused and neglected children living in Riverside County’s foster care system.
To what does Voices for Children attribute the success of the program in Riverside County?
Voices for Children attributes the success of the program to the compassionate community members who have volunteered to serve as CASAs for children in Riverside County over the last five years.
Voices for Children’s Riverside County team has incorporated the methods of training and supporting CASA volunteers that have been so successful in San Diego County and has adapted them to serve the communities of Riverside County. VFC uses an Advocacy Supervisor model in which staff members with expertise in child welfare and volunteer management are teamed with CASAs to help them navigate the system and collaborate with them on their case.
VFC has been grateful for the financial support of local governments, corporations, foundations, and individuals who are concerned about the well-being of children in Riverside County. As a nonprofit organization, VFC must raise all of the funds necessary to recruit, train, and expertly support our CASA volunteers. The potential to grow and serve more children in Riverside County depends on the generosity of the community.
How does Voices for Children operate in Riverside County?
Voices for Children maintains offices in the cities of Riverside, Murrieta, and Palm Desert. Each office is staffed by dedicated professionals who recruit, train, and support CASA volunteers and liaise with stakeholders in the child welfare system.
Voices for Children understands that the children and communities we serve throughout this region are uniquely situated. Voices for Children engages actively in the cities and communities it serves. For example, Voices for Children staff participate regularly in a variety of committees and collaboratives, business and community groups, and civic events.
Voices for Children established a Riverside County Community Advisory Council in late 2019.
How is the CASA Program in Riverside County funded?
The program initially received a grant from the Judicial Council of California, which was matched dollar-for-dollar by a private donor who is concerned about the welfare of Riverside County’s children in foster care. Since then, individuals, local governments, foundations, and corporations have partnered with Voices for Children to establish a solid program and ensure that abused and neglected children in Riverside County have CASAs by their side—in court, in school, and in the community. For more information about how individuals, businesses, and organizations can partner with VFC’s Riverside County program, please contact Jessica Muñoz, Executive Director, at 951-357-9100 or jessicam@speakupnow.org.
Is Voices for Children currently recruiting new CASAs for Riverside County?
Yes! If you are interested in becoming a CASA, please register to attend one of our upcoming Information Sessions. Then, you will need to complete and submit our CASA Application for Riverside County and interview with a Voices for Children staff member. If after the interview we determine a mutual fit, you will be invited to begin training through our Advocate University. For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, please email rcvolunteer@speakupnow.org, call 951-472-9301, or visit our volunteer information page.