Voices for Children

📣 Local Leaders Step Up for Children in Foster Care! 📣

The revised California state budget now includes $20 million for CASA programs! We are incredibly grateful to our local leaders who see the transformative impact CASA volunteers have every single day.

A massive THANK YOU to our representatives in San Diego and Riverside Counties who stood up for our community's children in foster care. by serving on the Budget Committee or signing the Budget Letter:

🔹 San Diego County
Assemblymember Chris Ward
Assemblymember Darshana Patel
Assemblymember Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins
Assemblymember David Alvarez
Senator Catherine Blakespear
Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D.
Senator Brian Jones

🔹 Riverside County
Assemblymember Greg Wallis
Assemblymember Corey Jackson
Assemblymember Natasha Johnson
Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez
Assemblywoman Leticia Castillo
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Senator Kelly Seyarto

🚨 WE NEED YOUR HELP TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE! 🚨
While this is a massive victory, it isn't final yet. The budget is now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for consideration. We need to ensure this vital funding remains in the final budget so our communities can continue to provide CASA volunteers for the youth who need them most.

Take 2 minutes today to advocate for youth in foster care:

1. Go to: www.gov.ca.gov/contact
2. Select the Topic: "Legislation Issues/Concerns"
3. Message: Urge Governor Newsom to keep the $20M CASA funding in the state budget!
4. 📞 Prefer to call? Dial 916-445-2841 to leave your message directly.

Every voice matters. Let's make sure every child navigating the court system has the powerful, dedicated support of a CASA volunteer. 💙

📣 NOW HIRING: Advocacy Supervisor (Palm Desert)

Looking for a career rooted in service? Join Voices for Children and help ensure children in foster care have a voice when they need it most.

Voices for Children is seeking a full-time Advocacy Supervisor to support and supervise our dedicated Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers serving children throughout Riverside County. In this role, you'll help ensure that children in foster care receive the advocacy, support, and resources they need to thrive.

✨ What you'll do:
• Supervise and support CASA volunteers
• Advocate for the best interests of children in foster care
• Collaborate with courts, agencies, and community partners
• Assist with volunteer recruitment, training, and retention efforts
• Promote Voices for Children's mission throughout the community

📍 Palm Desert, CA
💼 Full-Time
💰 28.85/hour
💻 Hybrid Schedule
💙 Mission-Driven Work

Apply today 👉 https://buff.ly/faWb0WT

CALL TO ACTION FOR CALIFORNIA YOUTH IN FOSTER CARE‼️

For three consecutive years, California invested $20 million annually in Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs, making a massive difference for children in foster care statewide. Last year, that vital funding was cut to ZERO.

As the FY27 budget is finalized, we have a window to restore this vital support. You don't need to be a policy expert to make a difference — you just need to be a constituent.

Take action in 5 minutes:
1️⃣ Find your reps: https://buff.ly/l3HORnE
2️⃣ Call/Email: Deliver this simple message: "Thank you for your support of youth in foster care. Please do all you can to reinstate the $20 million per year in funding for CASA programs in California."

Please advocate for our state’s most vulnerable children by ensuring this funding is fully reinstated. Let’s stand up for youth in foster care. Please take 5 minutes to contact your representatives today! 💙

👇 Tag a friend or SHARE this post to help us spread the word! 👇

Throughout June, we celebrate the power of family reunification and its positive impact on the lives of children in the foster care system and their parents.

At Voices for Children, we are committed to advocating for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and ensuring they have a voice in court. Our CASA volunteers and staff work diligently to support children and families, providing the guidance, resources, and vigorous advocacy necessary to make reunification possible whenever it is safe.

highlights the importance of family preservation. We invite you to join us in raising awareness about the challenges families face when separated and the critical need for supportive services to help them safely reunite.

Congratulations to our Riverside County CASA of the Month, Lisa T.! 🎉
Be inspired by CASA Lisa's journey with 8-year-old Jay*: https://buff.ly/i7fB9rU

When CASA Lisa was paired with Jay, a young boy navigating significant trauma while living in a residential therapeutic program, she made sure to look beyond the case files. Recognizing that his behavioral challenges were responses to deep trauma, CASA Lisa focused on building genuine trust. Even when Jay's outings were restricted, she visited him consistently at his facility and quickly discovered that beneath the difficult moments was a child who was deeply grateful for her presence and thoughtful gestures.

At a critical juncture in Jay's journey, CASA Lisa stepped up when he faced a major transition to a foster home nearly 100 miles away. She walked with him through the entire process, helping him move, reassuring him that her support would remain constant regardless of distance, and becoming a steady sounding board for his new caregiver during challenging moments.

Today, Jay is a thriving ten-year-old who loves outdoor adventures, Mario Kart, and all things Star Wars. CASA Lisa continues to stand by his side as a stabilizing force, supporting both Jay and his caregiver every step of the way and helping him maintain this positive placement. His progress is a powerful reminder that when a child has a dedicated advocate championing their worth, they gain the safety and stability they need to heal.

Congratulations to our San Diego County CASA of the Month, Alex S. 🥳 Be inspired by CASA Alex’s journey with 10-year-old Kurt*: https://buff.ly/v5RnX4q

When CASA Alex was paired with Kurt, a young boy navigating a challenging third transition within the foster care system, he made sure to look beyond the initial case files. Recognizing that documented behaviors were simply a response to trauma, CASA Alex focused instead on building genuine trust. Bonding over a shared love of Ford Mustangs and spending hours building a LEGO set together, CASA Alex became the steady, reliable presence Kurt needed.

At a critical Child Family Team meeting, CASA Alex spoke up for Kurt’s humanity, advocating against a restrictive placement. By sharing stories of a curious, resilient, and polite young person, CASA Alex helped secure a placement that now truly feels like family.

Whether they are sharing Mexican food, visiting the park, or ensuring the court knows about Kurt's passion for chess and dreams of becoming a SWAT team leader, CASA Alex proves the incredible impact of showing up consistently.

Thank you, Alex, for being a dedicated advocate and ensuring that young people like Kurt in our community are seen for their strengths and supported in their futures!