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Santa Clara County
Bill Wilson Center
Volunteer Case Aide Program
We would like to thank you for considering
the Santa Clara County Bill Wilson Center Volunteer Case Aide Program. In order
to better assist you, below we have answered some commonly asked questions. If
you have further questions or concerns please contact the program manager,
Christina Zarrabi at (408) 975-5383. Thank you for your time and
consideration. We are looking forward to working with you in the near future.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
VOLUNTEER CASE AIDES AND OTHER BILL WILSON CENTER VOLUNTEERS?
Volunteers in our program work directly with abused and neglected children,
ages infant to 17 years of age.
Volunteer Case Aides are trained to do one or more of the following:
1) Supervising court ordered visits between families and children placed outside the home
2) Providing child watch while parents attend support groups and educational classes
3) Mentoring a child by offering support, friendship, and being a positive role model.
4) Transporting children to family visits and appointments
5) Tutoring a child to overcome academic challenges
6) Providing Childwatch and Respite Care for caretakers.
Aside from the above, we often receive cases which needs special assistance working directly with families or children in the shelter.
WHO ARE THE CHILDREN VOLUNTEERS WORK WITH?
The children are all part of the Santa Clara County Department of Family and
Children Services who need individuals like you to support them. These
children have been abused and neglected and are residing in foster homes,
relative placement or at the children's shelter.
WHAT INFORMATION MUST I OBTAIN TO VOLUNTEER WITH THIS PROGRAM?
Each volunteer is required to complete the application process;
specifically, six (6) hours of training. The training includes Mandated
Reporting, Overview of the System and Agency, and Domestic Violence and
Substance Abuse as it relates to child abuse. Volunteers are also required to
attend two orientations which discuss supervised visits, transportation,
mentoring, tutoring, and any other topics we feel necessary to discuss. It is
mandatory for each volunteer to obtain fingerprints and a TB test before they
begin the process. We check driving records, background and obtain two
references for each person. Each potential volunteer is individually
interviewed by staff, after the procedures are completed. During this
interview we determine whether or not the volunteer is a “match” to our
program. All the required training and screening, volunteer program staff
completes will enable the volunteer to perform requested assignments.
Each volunteer will be prepared and have the knowledge needed to begin the
case.
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN STOP ME FROM VOLUNTEERING WITH THIS
PROGRAM?
Yes, unfortunately if you have a DUI on your driving record you will not be
able to volutener with our program.
HOW MUCH TIME WILL I BE COMMITTED TO?
The days and times you volunteer are completely up to you. We require that you
remain an active part of our program for one year in order to provide
stability in the lives of children you will be working with.
DOES THIS PROGRAM FULFILL STUDENT HOURS AND INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS?
Yes, we are able to provide hours for school as well as internship hours.
However we are not able to provide internship hours for any Masters level
program at this time.
If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Christina Zarrabi 408-975-5383.
Thank you once again for your consideration and we look forward to working with you!