Retired Judge Len Edwards counts getting CASA programs started in Santa Clara and San Mateo County as one of the best things he did as a judge. As a sitting judge in the 80’s, Judge Edwards first learned about CASA after watched a film of judges praising CASA. He had appeared before Judge Soukup, CASA’s founder, and knew he wanted to bring the program to Santa Clara County. Subsequently, Judge Edwards contacted Commissioner Pat Bresee (ret.) and worked with her to bring CASA to San Mateo County. Throughout his career, Judge Edwards provided valuable training to CASA programs and advocated for CASA volunteers to support youth navigating the juvenile justice system as well as the child welfare system, recognizing the enormous difference that CASA volunteers can make for system-impacted youth.

A huge believer in mentoring, Judge Edwards had a daily view of CASA’s impact. He bore witness to the fact that “families who are in crisis need help. A social worker is a very good person but they have many cases.” At CASA’s core is “the idea that there is a sensible person who puts hope into that child’s life and that’s what human beings should be doing.” For Judge Edwards, the CASA role is special. “This is the work of human beings helping human beings. This is what my life has been focused on – trying to improve outcomes for children and families. I can die now and be happy with that work.”