Why Volunteer?
As a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer, you are advocating for abused and neglected children. These children long for a safe and loving environment. As a CASA you are empowered by the courts to help make this dream a reality. You will not only bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children but also their children and generations to come. And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.
What is the role of a CASA Volunteer?
CASA volunteers get to know the child they are assigned to by talking with everyone in that child’s life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers, and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them. A CASA volunteer fulfills six main roles:
- Meet with the child regularly;
- Gather information from all interested parties, such as attorneys, social workers, teachers, caregivers, therapists, etc.;
- Keep an eye out for any unmet needs of the child, and advocate for those needs to be met
- Write a court report to the juvenile court judge for each hearing concerning the child. The report gives the judge the information the advocate has gathered, what the advocate believes to be in the child’s best interests, and what the child would like to have happen
- Attend all court hearings regarding the child (usually once every six months, sometimes more frequent)
- Monitor the case by doing all of the above until the child is placed in a safe, permanent, and nurturing home
Who can be a Volunteer?
We welcome people from all walks of life. You do not have to be a lawyer, social worker, or professional in the field to be a volunteer. We are simply looking for people who care about children and have common sense. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through your case.
You must pass a background check, participate in a 30-hour pre-service training course, and agree to stay on a case until it is closed (a year and a half on average).
Next Steps…
Need more information or are you ready to volunteer? Give us your email and we will email you more information on becoming a volunteer.