Blog Posts
What's New at CASA Santa Barbara CountySeven Ways To Support Youth During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Seven ways to support youth through the Coronavirus pandemic 1. Control Your Own Anxiety: Many of us are worried about the current situation and living with uncertainty isn’t easy. Yet, anxiety is “contagious.” Your kids will know that you are nervous even if you...
Five Keys To Student Success
Motivation: There are two kinds of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside sources – like grades, rewards, and treats. This kind of motivation typically results in short-term success. Intrinsic motivation, in contrast, is what...
Virtual Visits with Your Case Child
Create a vision board: The CASA or the caregiver can provide the child with pictures from a magazine that reflect the child’s feelings or future aspirations. Then the CASA and their case child can assemble it together via FaceTime or Skype and plan to share it once...
Virtual Visits – Continuing to provide advocacy
An important note from CASA of Santa Barbara County and National CASA In response to the coronavirus pandemic, we have created a set of guidelines for CASA volunteers to remain in contact with the children they serve through "Virtual Visits". During this...
Sunday Smile
On a recent outing, one of our CASA volunteers noticed that the teen they advocate for had lost a significant amount of weight. They alerted the social worker, and within a few days, they were able to secure much-needed therapy services for this teenager. Our CASA...
Christian’s Story
A story from our waiting list... Christian is a 14-year old boy who loves skateboarding and playing video games when his foster parents let him! In December, police were called to Christian's house because the neighbors heard his parents fighting. It was discovered...
Breaking The Cycle
CASA volunteers everywhere are breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect! Children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect are more likely to repeat the pattern with their own children. Children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to break this cycle. Becoming a...
Swearing In 2.24.2020
Join us in congratulating 11 new CASA volunteers! Thank you for making the commitment to changing a child's story. They will soon be taking cases and advocating for abused and/or neglected children in the court system. facebooktwitter
Brunch with CASA
"Today I am a chef. This is our kitchen and the eggs will be delicious because I made them!" The Children Activities Committee gave some of our youth the opportunity to prepare and enjoy a homemade brunch together this past weekend! Thank you Testa Catering &...
Sunday Smile
A volunteer recently shared this story and it definitely made us smile! "We loaded up our bikes and went to the bike path at the end of Turnpike. I’m teaching her riding skills and rules and etiquette and all those things we take for granted as experienced riders. She...
Effects of Abuse and Trauma in Childhood
Children who are exposed to abuse and trauma may develop what is called 'a heightened stress response'. This can impact their ability to regulate their emotions, lead to sleep difficulties, lower immune function, & increase the risk of a number of physical...
Santa Ynez Band Of Chumash Indians
A big thank you to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians! For the last 20 years, they have partnered with us to help us fulfill our mission of assuring a safe, permanent, nurturing home for every child experiencing abuse and/or neglect. Check out this recent video...
Social Worker Appreciation Month
March is Social Worker Appreciation month. They have one of the hardest jobs in the world keeping children safe. As our waiting list grows, the caseload of social workers grows as well. In the last couple of years, we have had a surge in new children in the court...
Princess Birthday Party
Recently one of our volunteers discovered the child that she is advocating for is a HUGE fan of princesses. When her 6th birthday party came around, her volunteer showed up at her birthday party dressed as Ariel from The Little Mermaid. All of the kids were very...
Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer with CASA
Top 10 reasons you should be a CASA volunteer Add volunteer experience to your resume Learn new job skills— interviewing, cultural awareness, verbal & written communication People who volunteer are happier, healthier & live longer To have fun—spend a few...
Fourteen New Child Advocates Sworn In in Santa Maria
On Wednesday, June 6th, the Honorable Arthur A. Garcia swore in 14 community members as CASA volunteers—court-appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children. Many individuals attended the ceremony to support the new class of volunteers, including...
Four-day bike trek from Santa Barbara to Sacramento brings awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month
Courtesy of Santa Maria Times, to see the original article click here. To help raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month and to address the need for more advocates for children across the county, Aaron Pankratz began a four-day bike ride from Santa...
CASA Swears In 9 in Advocates for Child Abuse Prevention Month
On Thursday, April 12th, the Honorable Arthur A. Garcia swore in 9 community members as CASA volunteers—court-appointed special advocates for abused and neglected children. Many individuals attended the ceremony to support the new class of volunteers, including...