Each year, 600-800 San Mateo County children enter the foster care system as a result of abuse and neglect. Advocates for Children trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers (CASA) who mentor and speak up for these children.

Description:
Advocate volunteers watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children to make sure they do not get lost in the over-burdened legal system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. Advocate volunteers maintain ongoing communication with all parties involved in each case to best serve the child’s interests and best identify and address the child’s needs. For many children, their Advocate volunteer may be the one constant adult presence – the one adult who cares only for them and provides companionship and consistency.

History:
CASA has had a strong presence in San Mateo County since 1999. Initially our organization was part of a two county agency, Child Advocates of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. In March 2006, San Mateo formed its own, separate CASA organization, Advocates for Children. A member of the National CASA Association, our local CASA program operates under the authority of and according to guidelines established by the Judicial Council, as outlined in the California State Welfare & Institutions Code and in Rule 1424 of the California Rules of Court.

Contact person: Elizabeth Nolan, Program Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (650) 212-4422

Address:

1515 S. El Camino Real, Suite 201 San Mateo, CA 94402 (See a map)

Directions:

From HWY 101 or 280 take HWY 92. Exit HWY 92 at El Camino Real North. Go Two Blocks. We are just after the Safeway on the right. Our building is the Apple One Building with the San Mateo Credit Union. . . (more)