About Child Advocates of Contra Costa County
In 1977, Seattle Juvenile Court Judge David Soukup recognized the need for more information about children in foster care and envisioned dedicated advocates to speak for them in court. This vision led to the first Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. Today, nearly 950 CASA programs exist nationwide.
In 1981, Contra Costa County established one of the first CASA organizations under Judge Richard Patsey, initially called Court Appointed Special Representatives (CASR). In 2001, it became Court Appointed Special Advocates of Contra Costa County, aligning with the broader CASA movement.
As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, we operate under the authority and guidelines set up by the Judicial Council, as outlined in the California Welfare and Institutions Code and the California Rules of Court. We proudly stand alongside our colleagues in the National and California CASA Associations to advocate for the well-being of children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect.
A New Chapter: Expanding Our Mission
As of February 2025, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Contra Costa County became Child Advocates of Contra Costa County. Over the years, our organization has grown to provide much more than our core Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program. Why the change? While CASA remains a cornerstone of our work, we now offer a range of additional programs. This name change reflects our commitment to holistic advocacy and support for children and youth in Contra Costa County. It allows us to highlight all the ways we’re working to create brighter futures while continuing to honor the vital CASA program and its volunteers.
Our Mission
Child Advocates of Contra Costa County is dedicated to providing programs and support for abused and neglected children in foster care to help every child find a permanent home and complete their education.
To achieve our mission, we focus on addressing key areas that pose significant threats to the future of children and youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Research conducted by the Brookings Institute in 2012 identified three pivotal determinants of escaping poverty:
1. Obtaining a high school diploma.
2. Avoiding unplanned teenage parenthood.
3. Securing gainful employment after completing their education.
For those who successfully navigate these life passages, the poverty odds significantly decrease. However, youth in foster care face significant challenges. More than 50% do not earn a high school diploma or a GED. Unplanned pregnancies result in 27% becoming parents by the age of 19. These statistics indicate that more than half of Contra Costa County’s youth in foster care are at risk of grappling with poverty.
Child Advocates of Contra Costa County’s mission combines evidence-based services and advocacy to address these root causes of poverty. We ensure that every CASA youth emerges equipped with a high school diploma or GED and the tools required to navigate a prosperous and fulfilling adulthood.
Child Advocates of Contra Costa County adopts a multifaceted approach to achieve our mission:
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who serve as advocates and beacons of light for children and youth navigating the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, ensuring their voice is heard and their best interests are represented.
Tutor Program
Our Tutor Program provides high-quality, consistent, and accessible educational support to children and youth using volunteers trained in trauma-informed practices.
Therapy Project California
Therapy Project California provides teletherapy services to current and former foster youth throughout the state. Trained therapists offer trauma-informed teletherapy to nurture their emotional well-being and resilience.
Reproductive Health
In partnership with the Department of Public Health and Children and Family Services, we provide vital reproductive healthcare services to youth in foster care, empowering them with knowledge and support to make informed decisions and avoid unplanned parenthood.
Our Credentials
Child Advocates of Contra Costa County is honored to have received a Platinum rating from Guidestar, the premier destination for nonprofits and nonprofit research. This recognition reflects our commitment to outstanding fiscal management and responsible stewardship of donor funds.
Child Advocates of Contra Costa County is proud to have received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, recognizing our financial health, accountability, and transparency. This honor reaffirms our commitment to integrity, effective operations, and prioritizing the needs of children and youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.