This is a wonderful non-profit that recruits, trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocates, volunteer sworn officers of the Court, who assist foster children to have as normal a life as possible. CASA's serve as the Judge's eyes and ears and make recommendations regarding the needs of their "case kids.". You, too, can help foster kids by becoming a CASA.
I was an advocate here, but was discouraged from advocating for a child with autism when it reflected badly on the CPS workers and Polinsky Nurse who had messed up medications. My advocacy report was also withheld by a "Voices for Children" supervisor so it couldn't be seen by the Judge. Probably, because it exposed the medication errors that were covered up, along with injuries at Polinsky Center that went undocumented. Amazing. Shocking. Truth. Lost all respect for this organization and would never recommend anyone who is a real advocate for autism or people with developmental disabilities to waste their time or talent here. They don't want real advocates. Real advocacy entails investigation, exposing truth and honoring justice. These people want the advocates to do the bare minimun. Just go with the flow. "Don't step it in". Or, "Just play nice." You don't play "nice" when you're a real advocate and you discover that a county nurse isn't documenting medication errors or the child you are advocating for has been injured and people are refusing to talk to you about it, or let you see the living space where it allegedly happened. And who bows down to a medical doctor at Polinsky Center who is intimidated by an advocate who "asks too many questions." This was no voice for children experience for me. This was the opposite. This seemed like a front. A con job to the courts. This was my experience. Other people think this place is great and that's fine. This review is off the reality and truth of what I saw and experienced here.
the truth is they do nothing for the children, I am a foster mother and they only come to my house vem to the child 5 min they only ask you a couple of questions and they no longer help you at all, and for that visit, they pay them a lot of money, for do nothing
Great mission and very organized informational sessions. Plenty of free parking and really nice location
It's a main location of A very worthwhile non profit staffed and led by dedicated professionals.
Voices for Children trains and supports roughly 1200 court appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteers. These CASA volunteers are not paid, but are motivated by the goodness of their hearts. The primary mission of the CASA volunteers is to serve as the eyes and ears for the Judge and to speak up for the foster child in court, at school, and other situations. Without these CASA volunteers, it would be nearly impossible for the Judges to make informed decisions. If you ask any dependency Judge in San Diego County, they'll tell you how much they appreciate the CASA volunteers.
Voices for Children: Providing a Voice for Foster Children in San Diego and Riverside Counties
Voices for Children is a non-profit organization that provides support to children in foster care in San Diego and Riverside Counties. The organization was founded in 1980 with the mission of providing a voice for children who are often overlooked and forgotten by society.
The need for Voices for Children's services is great. In San Diego County alone, there are over 3,000 children in foster care at any given time. These children have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or other reasons that make it unsafe for them to remain with their families.
Children in foster care face many challenges. They may be moved from home to home multiple times, which can disrupt their education and social development. They may also struggle with emotional issues related to the trauma they have experienced.
Voices for Children works to address these challenges by providing Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) who serve as mentors and advocates for the children. CASAs are trained volunteers who work one-on-one with a child or sibling group throughout their time in foster care.
CASAs provide stability and consistency during a difficult time in the child's life. They visit the child regularly, attend court hearings on their behalf, and advocate for their best interests. CASAs also help connect children with resources such as tutoring or counseling services.
In addition to providing CASA services, Voices for Children also offers other programs designed to support foster youth. These include educational advocacy services that help ensure that youth receive appropriate educational opportunities while they are in care; an independent living program that helps prepare older youth (ages 16-21) transition out of foster care; and an emergency fund program that provides financial assistance when unexpected expenses arise.
Volunteering with Voices For Children
There are many ways you can get involved with Voices For Children if you want to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable kids:
1) Become A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Becoming a CASA volunteer is one of the most impactful ways you can help improve outcomes for kids impacted by abuse or neglect.
2) Donate To Support Our Programs
Your donation will go directly towards supporting our programs designed specifically around improving outcomes & experiences of kids impacted by abuse/neglect.
3) Attend An Event
We host several events throughout each year where we bring together supporters & community members alike!
4) Spread The Word About Our Mission!
Help us spread awareness about our mission so we can continue making positive impacts on more lives!
Conclusion:
Voices For Children has been serving vulnerable kids since 1980 through its various programs aimed at improving outcomes & experiences of those impacted by abuse/neglect within San Diego/Riverside counties! With your support through volunteering/donating/attending events/spreading awareness - we can continue making positive impacts on more lives!
speakupnow.org
