CASA grads
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley swore in 29 new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers on Sept. 1.
All graduates completed 30 hours training on topics including child development and outcomes planning. Additionally, the graduates attended a mandatory tour of the courthouse before being sworn in by Shawna Schwarz, the supervising judge of the Santa Clara County Dependency Court, better known as foster care.
CASA volunteers advocate for youth in the county’s foster care system. To better serve children currently on the waitlist for a CASA volunteer, Child Advocates aims to diversify its volunteer base by recruiting more male, bilingual, Spanish-speaking, and LGBTQ+ advocates. The recent class helps advance that goal, with three bilingual Spanish speakers, five male advocates, 12 languages represented and three volunteers who identify as LGBTQ+.
CASA volunteers are not required to have a particular background or experience. Each volunteer undergoes a thorough training process and is supported by Child Advocates staff once they’re matched with a youth or siblings in foster care.
Career fair
High school students are invited to attend the sixth annual Career Fair and Resource Expo on Oct. 15, hosted by Milpitas Adult Education Workforce Development, Milpitas Unified School District and the City of Milpitas. The event connects students directly with hiring employers and gives them the opportunity to discover new career pathways.
The free career fair is set for 4-6 p.m. at 1331 E. Calaveras Blvd. Attendees should bring updated copies of their resume.
For more information, visit adulted.musd.org or call 408-635-2692.