When a child enters foster care in San Diego County, their life is turned upside-down. But when that child is matched with a trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, they gain a consistent adult who ensures their voice is heard. CASAs help prevent negative outcomes like homelessness, addiction and incarceration, setting children on a path to a brighter future.
For 45 years, Voices for Children — which I lead — has provided CASAs who children impacted by a complicated foster care system. While we’re a nonprofit, private funding alone isn’t enough to reach every child in need.
We need San Diegans to their state legislators today and ask them to the 2025-2026 budget request for California CASAs. They not only improve lives — they save local and state government millions. We must invest in our community’s vulnerable children to ensure they have every chance to thrive.
— Jessica Muñoz, Fallbrook
