CASA is a program in which trained community volunteers are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in juvenile court proceedings.
What do Court Appointed Special Advocates do?
CASA volunteers are assigned responsibility for one child, or in some cases, siblings, whom they visit on a regular basis.
The CASA volunteer gathers independent information about the child's family situation and submits this information to the court in a written report. (CASA staff helps with this.)
CASA volunteers appear in court for review hearings.
CASA volunteers monitor the child's case as it goes through the court system to help ensure that the child's needs are being met and all necessary services are being provided.
CASA volunteers provide a consistent source of support for the child during the court process.
The CASA volunteer has access to the court and social workers' files and gathers information from the social worker and all the other agencies involved with the child.
During weekly contact with the child, the CASA volunteer monitors how the child is getting along in his or her current placement and whether court ordered services are being supplied.
A CASA volunteer can advocate for needed services for a child or for the family and help to find available slots with service providers.
What is required to be a CASA volunteer?
A CASA volunteer must be at least 21 years old.
A CASA volunteer must have the ability to work with children, family members and professionals using concern, tact and basic human relations skills.
A CASA volunteer must respect and be able to relate to people with different values and from various backgrounds (economic, educational, cultural) in a variety of settings.
A CASA volunteer must not have any current involvement with juvenile or dependency court.
A CASA volunteer must have the ability to gather and accurately record factual information, and maintain objectivity.
What time commitment is required?
You must commit to serve one child for twelve months or until a permanent plan for his or her care has been implemented.
You are expected to see the child on a regular weekly basis, providing consistent adult support until the child is in a safe and permanent setting.
You must attend a full 30-hour training program prior to court certification.
You are expected to attend case support and training sessions with other CASA volunteers.
You are expected to consult at least monthly with your CASA supervisor.
CASA volunteers spend an average of 12-15 hours each month on their cases.
In the following video, Matthew Wild, CASA Board President, talks about his personal involvement as a CASA volunteer and how it has shaped his involvement with the organization.
Information Sessions held the 4th Wednesday of every month at the CASA office and the 2nd Wednesday at a local Starbucks.
