Volunteer

Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Training sessions are held approximately 4 times per year, based on existing need. After going through our 30 hour Pre-Service Advocate Training you will be sworn in by our judge. Once sworn in as a volunteer advocate, you will be assigned to monitor a child's case throughout its duration. Staying with the case until it closes can be an essential roll. Many times YOU the CASA is the only constant in the child's life during this traumatic time.

REQUIREMENTS
Must Be 21 or older
Participate in an interview and pass background check
Attend approximately 30 hours of pre-service training
CASA/GAL volunteer spend on average 5-15 hours a month advocating for a child (The average case is three years)
Follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association
Attend in-service training and receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff
Complete at least 12 hours of continuing education yearly to enhance knowledge
Volunteers must be available for case assignment and to accept cases unless other arrangements have been made

What will you do?

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, you will form a unique relationship with your assigned child and will become the best equipped person in that child's life to know what their needs are. You will review records, research information as well as talk to the foster parents, case workers and others involved in all aspects of the child's life. It is also very important to appear in court on the scheduled court dates. Utilizing the information captured, the advocate will write reports and submit them for review by the judge. The judge uses these reports to help her/him determine the best course of action for the child. Your reports can determine rather a child gets to finally be reunited with their parents, which is ALWAYS our ultimate goal.

EXPECTATIONS
Respect and relate to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural, educational) in a variety of settings
Transport self to a variety of locations
Deal with a wide range of emotional responses
Keep all client and court information confidential
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Make decisions and set goals
Gather and record factual information accurately
Understand the basics of child development and family relationships

Because I have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child that needs me. You enter into their life when their world has been turned upside down and simply say I care and I am going to be here for you. And then you show up. For 5 whole years now and I would not change a thing.

5 Year CASA Advocate

I volunteer because it gives my life meaning and allows me to contribute to something bigger than myself. I am a child of the foster care system and wish I had a person that cared for me as I am about to take care of these kids that I know first hand needs me.

New CASA Advocate