Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs

The full-time Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs (DPLA) reports to the Chief Program Officer (CPO), but also works in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other senior staff to advance CA CASA's legislative, public policy, and government relations priorities. DPLA leads statewide advocacy, policy development, government relations, research initiatives, and systems-change efforts and collaborates with local CASA programs, contract lobbyists, legislators, judicial leaders, state agencies, philanthropic partners, and allied organizations.

The DPLA strengthens statewide partnerships, supports Board policy leadership, and elevates the voices of local CASA programs, CASA volunteers, and youth to inform and influence public policy. The DPLA works across departments to align CA CASA's program expertise, statewide network, research, communications, philanthropic connections, and public policy priorities into a coordinated advocacy strategy that strengthens systems serving children and youth.

By translating field experience, data, and emerging policy issues into actionable legislative strategies, the DPLA helps CA CASA influence public policy and secure public investment that will improve outcomes for the most vulnerable children and families throughout CA. As the operational leader of CA CASA’s legislative and public policy infrastructure, the DPLA ensures advocacy, research, and statewide engagement efforts are strategic, coordinated, and responsive while supporting the CEO, who serves as CA CASA's primary legislative advocate.

The California Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, founded in 1987, is part of a national volunteer movement supporting the needs and well-being of children and youth in the dependency and juvenile justice systems of the Superior Court. Today, CASA is one of the largest volunteer opportunities in the country, with more than 900 individual CASA programs nationwide in 49 states;
California CASA is one of the most successful, with a diverse staff of 14, and a 20-member Board of Directors who represent all areas of the state. Our mission, vision, and values are articulated here. For further information about our programs and impact, see our FY Impact Report. CA CASA’s network serves 53 of the state’s 58 counties, providing transformative advocacy and support for children and youth in CA’s dependency and juvenile justice systems.

There are some 60,000 children and youth in the systems, and of these, 7,600 CASA volunteers serve nearly 11,000 children, but CA CASA is committed to increasing the number served and ensuring program practices that support the unique needs of each child. Our ambitious long-term strategic goal is that one day, every CA child who needs a CASA volunteer will have one.

In 2022, the CA Legislature awarded a three-year appropriation of $60,000,000 to CA CASA, with 80% of funding going to the 44 local CASA programs that comprise the state’s network; 20% supported shared services coordinated by CA CASA. In 2026, a one-year appropriation of $20,000,000 was awarded. CA CASA is now engaged in a major effort to secure more permanent State funding;

this new position of Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs was established in 2026 in order to support that effort.

• Reporting to the CPO, the DPLA is a strategic advisor to the CEO on legislative, public policy, and government affairs matters affecting CA CASA, its statewide network, and children and youth in the court’s dependency and juvenile justice systems. The DPLA supports the CEO in identifying long-term public policy opportunities that advance the mission, strengthen the statewide network, and improve outcomes for children and youth.
• Leads and actively manages day-to-day government affairs functions, i.e. legislative bill tracking, advocacy logistics, legislative and policy records, and operational coordination. Partners with the CEO and CPO to develop and implement CA CASA’s annual legislative agenda, public policy priorities, and state budget advocacy strategy.
• De…