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 CalTrin
This training will focus on child development with an emphasis on social-emotional development. Social-emotional development occurs in the context of relationships; therefore, parents and caregivers play an important role. This session will blend the science of child development with practical tips for parents and caregivers.
Participants will be able to:
Name the 5 domains of child development
Explain the 3 zones of arousal and explain how it applies to the parent/caregiver’s role in child development and social-emotional development
Learn at least 3 practical skills that can be applied to improve child development
Apply the 2 key attachment relationship concepts of Secure Base and Safe Haven
CE Hours: 3
Presented by VCOE
Includes various workshops on topics such as providing supportive and inclusive learning opportunities for all students, sessions for educators, parents, and community members. Special Keynote Speaker Monique Nunes, First Lady of Cal Lutheran University.
CE Hours: 3.5
Presented by CASA of Ventura County in Collaboration with FKCE
Instructor: Dr. Judy Sullivan Osterhage
Self-harm can be frightening and confusing for caregivers, yet for many youth it is an attempt to cope with overwhelming pain, shame, or numbness. This class helps foster and resource parents understand the “why” behind cutting and other destructive behaviors, and how to respond in ways that promote safety, trust, and healing rather than punishment or fear.
Participants will explore common risk factors for youth in care—including trauma, abuse, isolation, depression, and feelings of powerlessness—and how self-injury can become a learned coping strategy. We’ll address myths and stereotypes, warning signs, and the difference between self-harm and suicidal intent. Caregivers will learn how to talk about self-injury without judgment, how to avoid reinforcing the behavior, and how to encourage professional support.
Your Instructor: Dr. Judy Sullivan Osterhage is a Parent Coach Consultant with Parenting Matters & an Early Childhood Specialist. She holds a Doctorate in Elementary Education, and with that, has brought educational trainings to foster and adoptive parents for over 30 years!
CE Hours: 2
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.
