Advocates for Children - Become an Advocate

Become an Advocate Application Process Advocate FAQs Orientations/Training Español

Advocate with Advocate child

Become an Advocate

What is an Advocate?

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. For the volunteer, we ask for a commitment of a minimum of 18 months and 10 to 13 hours per month. We also run a Visiting CASA Program where we pair Advocates with children placed out of County. The time commitment in this case is slightly less.

Do I Need Previous Experience?

No. However, working with this vulnerable population of children as well as the adults and professionals in their lives requires that an Advocate be emotionally strong, collaborative, responsible, objective and professional. The sensitive nature of this work is not for everyone. Therefore, Advocates for Children closely evaluates each Advocate Trainee throughout the application and training processes.

What are the Steps Involved?

Becoming a CASA does require training as well as other important procedures. For the protection of our volunteers and the children they work with, our application, selection and training processes are very thorough.

The first step is for potential volunteers to attend one of our mandatory ongoing program orientations which introduce the program in more detail. Attend an Orientation

Please visit the "Application/Training" section to view more details of our application procedure.

To find out more please call 650.212.4423, or email us at

Children Waiting

Craig (15)

Craig has been raised by a single mom who recently beat him with an electrical cord after he came home late. Craig feels responsible for the charges that were subsequently filed against his mother. more

Lori (14)

Lori recently gave birth after receiving no prenatal care. Her parents claim they were unaware she was even pregnant. more

Over 120 San Mateo County children and youth are waiting for
an Advocate.

You CAN make a difference.