CASA of Kern County

Your support allows us to serve more children like Jennifer*, whom at age 17, has been in foster care most of her childhood. She painfully experienced sexual abuse, yet found hope upon reuniting with her father.  Sadly, Jennifer was physically abused and neglected in that home. Jennifer was in long term foster care and remained in a group home until she found hope once again as she gained a foster family.  This family invited Jennifer to become a forever member of their family.  In addition, the CASA has observed Jennifer to be the happiest she ever has been since the CASA has known her. With the strong advocacy of both the CASA and Jennifer’s attorney in court, her forever home is within sight. 

*Names altered for confidentiality

A CASA is a community member appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused children, to make sure they don’t get lost or languish in the overburdened legal and youth services system. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. CASA volunteers become long term meaningful life connections for these children. 

If you would like to volunteer and help children like Jennifer, pledge your volunteer hours on the Volunteer Hours Pledge Form.

Be sure to choose CASA of Kern County when promtped!

Read this "Story of Hope" which highlights the impact a CASA volunteer can have in the life of foster children.

Emily (11), Mason (9), and Lily (7)* were hopeful. As summer came to an end, they eagerly looked forward to going back to school--choosing new supplies, picking out their clothes, and embracing a fresh start. It was more than just the beginning of another school year; it was a step toward stability, as they had recently been reunited with their mother, who had worked hard to overcome her struggles.

But just one day before school began, everything changed. Their mother, who had shown such promise in her recovery, relapsed. In an instant, Emily, Mason, and Lily's dreams of stability vanished in an instant. Removed once again from their mother's care, the siblings found themselves clinging to the one consistent presence in their life--their CASA, Arlene.

The sibling's journey first began in July 2022, when they were removed from their parents due to domestic violence, physical abuse, and substance abuse. Over the course of a year, their mother made remarkable progress, and by September 2023, custody was restored to her. But by December 2023, the fragile progress unraveled. The children had to be removed again after their mother allowed the father back into the home without the necessary safeguards.

In early 2024, Arlene was assigned as their CASA to monitor their well-being. It didn't take long for a bond of trust to form.

Since leaving what they knew to be home, Emily, Mason, and Lily have endured two more placements. With each change they've experienced, Arlene has remained their steady source of hope through their circumstances that seem hopeless. Her presence has shown them that someone will always be in their corner, advocating for their safety and supporting their emotional well-being.

Your support makes stories like Emily, Mason, and Lily's possible. CASA volunteers like Arlene are beacons of hope, providing the consistency, guidance, and stability that children in foster care so desperately need.

Their journey is far from over, but with your help, we can ensure that CASA has the resources needed to train and empower more volunteers like Arlene. Together, we can give children in foster care a lifeline and a voice--and, most importantly, a future filled with hope.

*names changed for confidentiality
CASA supports children and families involved in the foster care system, increases the well-being of foster youth, and strengthens the communities we serve. Your investment in CASA is an investment in the future of the young voices we empower.

Who We Are

The goal of the CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates program is to protect and ensure each child's right to a safe and permanent home. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a juvenile court judge to serve as the "eyes and ears" for the court and a "voice" for the child.

The Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kern County speak for abused and neglected children in the juvenile dependency process. Through the use of highly trained volunteers, the CASA program seeks to provide every child who needs an advocate with a voice in the court process.

Too many children in the child welfare system lose their families, their rights and their hope. Join our fight to make sure they don't. With a CASA volunteer, a child is half as likely to languish in the foster care system, and much more likely to find a safe, permanent home.