Jim Haggett, CASA's case manager, with the recently awarded national certificate. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Mendocino and Lake Counties has just been awarded certification by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association.

This certification recognizes that CASA of Mendocino and Lake Counties is in compliance with the high standards for quality child advocacy set by National CASA.

According to Michael Piraino, chief executive officer of the National CASA Association, “The National CASA quality assurance process is very rigorous, and reflects our commitment to ensure every child we serve has the most powerful volunteer advocate working on their behalf. This certification says CASA of Mendocino and Lake Counties has demonstrated to us a strong capacity to provide excellent services to the abused and neglected children within their community.”

CASA of Mendocino and Lake Counties, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), was established in 1994 and graduated their first volunteer advocates in 1995.

In 2010, CASA expanded their program into Lake County.

CASA volunteers are community members of all backgrounds, and educational levels working with the judicial system, with supporters, with policy makers and with the local CASA program to assure that every child has a voice.

One person can be the difference. We are accepting applications now for our fall training beginning late September.

Make a difference in a Mendocino or Lake County abused, neglected or delinquent child’s life.

For more information, contact Kimberly Smith at 707-463-6503, Extension 11 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..