Ventura County Public Defender’s Office: A Community Partner in Overdose Prevention
The Ventura County Public Defender’s Office has become a powerful partner in local overdose‑prevention efforts, offering free naloxone kits, fentanyl test strips, and bilingual education every Tuesday at the Hall of Justice. Their compassionate, judgment‑free approach is helping vulnerable clients and families stay safe, building trust, and expanding access to lifesaving resources at community events and Fresh Start clinics. Their work shows what true advocacy looks like—meeting people where they are and giving them another chance at recovery and stability.
Read the full story here: Overdose Prevention Newsletter
Ventura County Food Assistance Resources
Find local programs and services that provide food for individuals and families across Ventura County. From food pantries to meal distribution sites and community support organizations, these resources help ensure everyone has access to meals.
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Join us as we come together as a community to support children who are neglected or abused.
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Our programs provide quality court-based advocacy for abused and neglected children.
See how you can help.
Join us for an Information Session or Continuing Education Opportunity!
Presented by Strengthening VC Families
This training is for professionals who are mandated reporters in the fields of Health, Mental Health, Education, Social Services, Justice, Law Enforcement, Faith-Based agencies, and Childcare. Participants will learn how to recognize, respond to and report child abuse. We will also discuss the role of community support in prevention and strengthening families! certificates are provided. Live Spanish Interpretation available. ** Please note that this training fulfills your Mandated Reporter Training Requirement for CASA.**
CE Hours: 3
Presented by CalTrin
During this session, we will discuss everyday strategies for helping children build social and emotional competence. This session will be presented in an engaging lecture format.
In this engaging lecture-format webinar, we will:
Review how helping children develop social and emotional competence helps keep families strong and prevents child abuse and neglect
Identify key strategies and everyday actions that help children grow emotionally and socially
Explore what it means to help children develop social and emotional skills in a strength-based way
Share Protective Factors resources for providers and families
CE Hours: 2
Presented by VCOE, FKCE, CASA
Instructor: Dr. Sharon Elmensdorp
This training will provide parents, caregivers, and providers with an understanding of how early child development influences long-term health, learning, and well-being. The session will emphasize the critical role of responsive and nurturing caregiving in supporting children’s cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Participants will explore practical ways to build strong, positive relationships and everyday routines that foster resilience and set the foundation for future success.
Sharon Elmensdorp Ph.D., BCBA-D is a behavioral and developmental specialist. Sharon has a doctorate in education with an emphasis in special education, disabilities, and risk studies and a specialty in autism from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Masters in psychology from Pepperdine University. She is a Board Certifies Behavioral Analyst-Doctoral Level (BCBA-D), with a focus on naturalistic behavioral intervention for young children with autism, developmental delays, and general behavioral needs. She has worked in center-, home-, and school-based settings. She is currently also teaching courses in applied behavior analysis as adjunct faculty for the University of Massachusetts Global.
CE Hours: 1.5
Our office is open daily by appointment.
Please call (805) 389-3120 or email info@casaofventuracounty.org to schedule a time to come in.
If you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, please do not come to the office.
Special Thanks
CASA of Ventura County is grateful for the support of the Margie & Robert E. Peterson Foundation and the Rick & Marcie Sexauer Foundation.
