180 Foster Kids in Riverside County Need Your Voice

Imagine being a child who's already survived abuse and neglect, then entering a complex system with no one in your corner who's there just for you.

That's the reality for 180 foster children in Riverside County right now. They're waiting to be matched with Court-Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs, but there simply aren't enough volunteers to go around.

Voices for Children, the nonprofit coordinating the program, is urgently seeking eligible residents to step up. These volunteer advocates serve as a consistent, caring adult presence in a foster child's life, helping them navigate welfare systems and speaking up for their needs in court.

"CASAs play a critical role in ensuring children in foster care can thrive, instead of simply surviving," said Sharon Morris, the organization's managing director for Riverside County. The children most in need are spread across the county, with the highest concentrations in Riverside, Corona, and Moreno Valley, plus more than 50 kids in the Coachella Valley.

What makes CASAs special is simple but powerful. Unlike social workers, therapists, or foster parents, these volunteers aren't paid to be there. They show up because they care.

A judge once told Morris that while social workers provide a black-and-white outline of who a child is, CASA volunteers paint the full-color picture that guides crucial decisions. That perspective has already helped more than 1,700 Riverside County foster kids over the past decade.

With an estimated 5,000 children expected to need foster placement countywide in 2026, the demand for advocates will only grow.

The Ripple Effect

When one adult commits to being a CASA volunteer, the impact extends far beyond courtroom visits. These advocates become trusted confidants who can spot needs that others might miss, from educational support to mental health resources. They ensure children's voices are heard during the most vulnerable chapter of their lives.

Their consistent presence can transform a child's experience from one of survival to one of genuine hope and stability.

Becoming a CASA requires training, which the organization provides through regular seminars. Volunteers represent their appointed child's best interests in reports to the courts and check in regularly to monitor their wellbeing.

Those interested can find training session details at speakupnow.org, and the county recognizes CASA partners through its Department of Public Social Services portal.

Right now, 180 kids are waiting for someone to say yes.