The
Nuts and Bolts and Application Packet
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Who are CASA Volunteers?
Ordinary people who care about kids. CASA volunteers come from all
backgrounds and must be 21 years of age. Many work full time. Some are
students and some are retired. CASA volunteers work on one case at
time. No legal expertise is required.
What exactly does a volunteer do?
CASA volunteers are assigned to an abuse or neglect case by a judge.
They conduct thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing
documents, interviewing everyone involved, especially the child. The
CASA volunteers make reports to the court, recommending what they have
found is best for the child, providing the judge with information that
will help him/her make a more informed decision. CASA volunteers are
instrumental in assuring that a child or family receives services which
the court has ordered - things like substance abuse counseling or
special education testing. During the life of a case, a CASA volunteer
monitors the child's situation to make sure he/she remains safe. CASA
volunteers are the only constant the child knows as he/she moves
through the child welfare system.
What does it take to be a CASA volunteer?
Commitment
When you take on a case, you take on a child's future. Programs ask for
a commitment of at least a year. However, some cases last longer. The
amount of time you give to a case will vary depending on the stage of
the proceedings. Nationally, CASA volunteers give an average of 88
hours per year.
Objectivity
The CASA's role is to represent the best interests of the child. That
may not always mean what the child wants. CASA volunteers must be able
to talk to everyone involved in a case and remain objective in their
recommendations. While CASA volunteers will establish a relationship
with the child, the CASA volunteer's role is not to become a Big
Brother or Sister to the child.
Good Communication Skills
CASA volunteers must be able to converse to a wide variety of people
from healthcare professionals to school officials to an angry parent.
CASA volunteers present written reports to the court, sometimes
speaking in the courtroom on behalf of the child's best interests.
What about training?
CASA programs provide in-depth training on issues of the court process,
child development, abuse and neglect, cultural competency, advocacy and
interviewing techniques, HIV and other public health topics, etc. CASA
volunteers will hear from judges, attorneys, social workers and other
professionals in the field. Programs also offer in-service training on
many subjects.
National CASA has developed a 30-hour curriculum and accompanying
materials, which local CASA programs adapt to their own communities. A
volunteer supervisor or program director is available to discuss your
case, help problem solve and make sure you get any legal support you
need. Many programs have mentor components where experienced volunteers
are matched up with new volunteers. Every year hundreds of volunteers
attend the annual National CASA Conference. Also, CASA staff is always
available for any concerns and support.
There are more than 950 local CASA programs
nationwide. For information on qualifications, selection, and volunteer
training, contact us. CASA Volunteers and CASA Friends are both
required to complete the application process.
Application
Packet
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