Volunteer
A CASA Volunteer, a court-appointed, trained and committed adult, is the one person who is charged with getting to know the child and determine what is in the child’s best interest. A CASA Volunteer is the often the only person who stands by that child’s side and advocates for his best interest while the child is in foster care.
A CASA Volunteer makes sure the needs of the children remain a priority in the overburdened, underresourced legal and social service system. You may be the one person involved from beginning to end during a child’s case. For these children, you will be the difference between instability and permanence, insecurity and learning to trust, invisibility and being made a priority. We invite you to join our family of volunteers and make a difference in a child’s life.
Your volunteer commitment
As a CASA Volunteer you commit to spending 15-20 hours per month on one specific case for at least a year. You research the case, talk with everyone involved (parents, foster parents, siblings, teachers, doctors, therapists, caseworkers) and build a trusting relationship with your child or children. You will prepare reports for the court based on what you believe is best for the child. As the “eyes and ears of the court” your report will help the judge make the most informed decision possible.
Scheduling of your activities is flexible. You will be assigned a CASA staff professional who supports and guides you every step of the way.
Training to become a volunteer
You do not need any special kind of education or experience to serve as a CASA volunteer. We provide all the training and support for you to serve as an effective advocate.
Your training includes:
· 30 hours of training.
· 3 hours of courtroom observation
· At least 12 hours of continuing education per year
As a CASA volunteer, you will not only help improve the life of a child in need, you will also impact your own life tremendously. Many CASA volunteers say they are the ones whose lives were changed by their work.To be a CASA Volunteer, you must be:
· At least 21 years of age
· Able to pass extensive reference, Child Protective Services and criminal background checks.
· Complete the required training.
· Be willing to commit to at least one year.
You cannot be a current foster parent or be in the process of adopting a child from Child Protective Services.
