WIC Organization - Voices For Children

Voices For Children

Voices for Children is a Non-Profit Corporation and member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association. Voices for Children was founded in 1980, and is San Diego County's only Court Appointed Special Advocate Program. Advocates.

Today and everyday in America, 1,849 children are abused, neglected or abandoned. Three children will die from abuse, 27 will die from poverty, and 1,188 will be removed from their homes into foster care or institutions. One social worker will carry a case load of 60-90 children, and one judge will have only 10 minutes to decide the fate of a child.

So defenseless, so utterly powerless, these children desperately need a voice.

San Diego's Voices for Children provides that voice in San Diego County. Relying solely on donations from corporations, businesses, foundations and individuals Voices for Children recruits, carefully screens and trains volunteers in courtroom procedures, case record review, the social service and juvenile court systems, and in sensitivity to the special needs of abused and neglected children. The presiding judge of the court then swears the volunteers as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates.)

CASA act as watchdogs and voices for children in turmoil. They stand by the child every step of the way. Their constant attention provides emotional stability and ensures that the child's case keeps moving until it has been fully resolved.

The 350 local volunteers are people with an extraordinary love for children. Last year these special people serves about 3,000 San Diego County abused and neglected children. 600 of these children required the special care of a Voices for Children Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Voices for Children also trains volunteers known as Foster Care File Reviewers. This important group reads through case records of dependent children of Juvenile Court and ensures that they do not become lost in the system. The volunteer tracks the child's movement though the system and prepares written summary of their progress and permanent plans.

Sadly, about three out of four abused and neglected children remain out of reach. Dedicated and informed volunteers are encouraged to join forces with Voices for Children. (858) 569-2019.

Women's International Center salutes the mission and individuals of Voice for Children with the 1999 Living Legacy Award. The legacy of love continues.