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CASA of Santa Barbara County expands services to Lompoc

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - When children have to be separated from their parent for safety reasons, that’s where CASA of Santa Barbara County steps in.

Now, one of its facilities in Lompoc, is expanding its services to help more kids.

"This is a new office so much bigger office for our CASA volunteers but also we were able to expand and offer more services to families by opening a family visit center," said executive director Kim Davis of CASA of Santa Barbara County.

This center gives parents and kids in need a safe venue to heal.

"We’re really excited about offering a chance to have a really comfortable and warm space to visit with their children who have been removed from their care ... but they’re on the path to be reunited with those children," said Davis.

It’s exciting because now or advocate have a space that you can hang out with her kids or even come and check and there’s more activities to do with the kids here at the new office now" said advocate supervisor Ana Villagomez of CASA of Santa Barbara County.

Managers at cars are currently looking for volunteers to help with their family visit services for children in need

"If they can give to two hours a week or six hours a month they can help a family heal ... and we’re really excited to bring that to the community ... and to give our community volunteers another way that they can engage," said Davis.

Specially trained volunteers work closely with CASA staff to supervise the visits and make sure that the children are safe and the family has quality time to bond,

Family Visits are now provided for families in Santa Maria and Lompoc with 160 hours of visits every month.

Each location has a family friendly, positive environment that encourages healthy interactions between a parent and a child or children.

Observations from the visits are reported to Child Welfare Services to support the family in their journey to full reunification with their children.

Training is provided, and volunteers who can commit 2 hours a week for one or two months are ideal, as well as those who want to serve their community as a resource to help families.

Article Topic Follows: Santa Maria - Lompoc - North County

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Patricia Martellotti

Patricia Martellotti is a reporter for News Channel 3-12. To learn more about Patricia, click here.

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