BECOME VOLUNTEER
Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, participate in events.
Volunteer
To increase public awareness of the crisis many families and youth in Los Angeles County are currently facing in foster care. We do this through activities including advocacy work as well as at events where attendees can stop by and learn more at our lawn table.
To improve the quality of lives of children and youth in foster care, homeless, incarcerated or under the supervision of probation through the provision of direct services to the children or to the agencies serving them.
To improve the quality of the lives of children and young people in foster care, homeless, incarcerated or under the supervision of probation through system changes.
Become a trained volunteer coach monitor and provide court-ordered supervised family visits so that children, removed from the care of their parents, can visit their parents in a family-friendly setting filled with toys, games, books, and art materials. These visits are an essential service to increase the family's chances for reunification and reduce the children's anxiety while in out-of-home placement. The visits will take place in an agency setting that provides strict health and safety protocols to protect the coach monitor and the families in Pasadena, South Pasadena, El Sereno, and Glendale.
This year Foster Care Project's Adopt a Child Advocate Caseworker (ACAC) Program will be assisting three of our "adopted" Department of Family Services caseworkers to ensure that the children and youth on their caseloads are remembered during the holiday season. If you would like to help by providing a gift, please see the suggestions below.
Gift ideas include stuffed animals, Lego sets, games (Candyland, Jenga, Yahtzee, Clue, Uno, and Apples to Apples), Hot Wheels, brand-new books, and arts & crafts sets. Our older youth (ages 16 – 21) enjoy age-appropriate games, art therapy coloring books and art supplies, brand-new books, journals and pens, cosmetics, and gift cards for Starbucks, Target, and Amazon.
Note: Gifts should be unwrapped or placed in gift bags, so the caseworkers can see each item and match it to a particular child. Gifts must be new and in original packaging.
Donation deadline is on or before Wednesday, December 11, so we can make timely deliveries. Thank you for all you've done and continue to do to brighten the lives of our children and families.
For information on donating and drop-off sites (secure porches of ACAC coordinators in Pasadena and South Pasadena).
Become a trained volunteer coach monitor and provide court-ordered supervised family visits so that children, removed from the care of their parents, can visit their parents in a family-friendly setting filled with toys, games, books, and art materials. These visits are an essential service to increase the family's chances for reunification and reduce the children's anxiety while in out-of-home placement. The visits will take place in an agency setting that provides strict health and safety protocols to protect the coach monitor and the families in Pasadena, South Pasadena, El Sereno, and Glendale.
Volunteer as a Child Advocate to support unaccompanied Immigrant children in immigration custody facing removal proceedings. Advocates visit their assigned child once a week in immigration detention and, together with Young Center staff, advocate for their best interests.
Volunteer Requirements:
• Resident of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, or San Diego County aged over 21 years.
• Commitment to volunteering with the Young Center for at least 12 months.
• Availability to conduct weekly in-person visits with assigned child at shelters across Southern California.
• Completion of 2-day, in-person Volunteer Child Advocate training scheduled for Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23, 2025.
• High level of cultural competency and compassion for children.
• FBI/State background check and Child Abuse and Neglect check.
• TB test and proof of Covid vaccination.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) support foster youth in many critical areas, including health care, education, homelessness prevention, transitioning to independence, the right to be heard, and maintaining family connections. CASA of Los Angeles pairs volunteer advocates one-to-one with foster youth aged 0-21, ensuring each child receives personalized advocacy and support tailored to their specific needs.
If you are compassionate, dedicated, and ready to make a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply. Volunteers typically dedicate around three hours per week on average to this important work. Training will be provided, and you'll join a supportive community of advocates.
For more information or to be added to the interest list for the upcoming CASA information session early next year, please contact the Foster Care Project at: inbox@fostercareproject.org Sessions will be held at All Saints Church, Pasadena and on Zoom.