A Padres game, Legoland or a McDonald’s happy meal — outings with a Voices for Children Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer provide a sense of normalcy and joy for a child in foster care. In these moments, they can just be kids.
CASAs are dedicated volunteers who support children in foster care by building strong relationships with them, working closely with case professionals and ensuring the child’s needs are being addressed.
Gwen Schvimmer has been a local CASA for almost eight years, a journey that began after surviving breast cancer. Coming out of that experience, she sought volunteer work that would create a lasting impact. That’s when she found Voices for Children, a nonprofit that connects children living in foster care in San Diego and Riverside Counties with trained CASAs.
“I wanted to volunteer where you can feel the human connection and work directly with those you are helping,” Schvimmer said.
This year, an estimated 2,750 children in San Diego County will enter foster care after experiencing abuse or neglect. Once they enter the child welfare system, their world suddenly includes court hearings, social workers, attorneys, and often new homes and schools.
“CASAs are the steady, compassionate presence children in foster care need. They step up in the most critical moments, ensuring a child’s voice is heard and their needs are met,” said Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS, Voices for Children’s president & CEO.
Becoming a CASA volunteer begins with a training program through what the nonprofit calls Advocate University. This training ensures that each CASA is well-prepared to make informed recommendations to the court. Contrary to what many assume, CASAs do not need a background in social work or education — just room in their heart to help, according to Schvimmer.
Once given a case, a CASA becomes a crucial part of the child’s support system, serving as their advocate as they navigate the foster care system and often the most consistent adult in their life. Schvimmer describes the role as “the glue that holds it all together,” working closely with social workers, caregivers, attorneys and educators to ensure her assigned child receives the necessary support and resources.
Each of Schvimmer’s cases has been unique. Her first case ended in adoption, her second in reunification with the biological parent and her third is ongoing. She has worked with children of different ages, from six years old to teenagers. Despite the differences, one thing remains constant — the immense impact of a CASA’s presence. She recalls a girl who was passionate about art. Schvimmer found a way to enroll her in art classes and, on a later visit, was moved to see the girl’s artwork proudly displayed on her walls. In another case, a young boy who loved the zoo was gifted an annual pass through a grant Schvimmer secured.
“He would always grab my hand and hold it as we walked through the zoo, and it melted my heart,” Schvimmer said.
As Voices for Children’s “Your Voice, Their Future” volunteer recruitment campaign nears its May 1 deadline, the nonprofit aims to match 175 vulnerable youth in San Diego and Riverside Counties with a CASA advocate.
“The campaign is a call to action: we need compassionate members of our community to stand up for youth in foster care,” Muñoz said.
According to the nonprofit, there is a particularly high need for male and Spanish-speaking CASA volunteers.
For those considering becoming a CASA, Schvimmer offers an encouraging message.
“Anyone can do this if they put their mind and heart into it,” she said. “Becoming a CASA was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve grown as a person and developed a deeper understanding of foster care, inspiring me to further support Voices for Children and the youth it serves.”
To learn about becoming a CASA and attend an informational session, go to speakupnow.org/volunteer.
