What is a CASA volunteer?
In an overburdened child welfare system, children in foster care can often slip through the cracks. That’s where Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers like you can help make a difference.
CASA volunteers are regular community members who make the extraordinary decision to use their time to positively impact the most vulnerable children in our society. Appointed by family court judges, CASA volunteers typically serve one child or sibling group at a time until the children are placed in a safe, permanent home. A CASA volunteer works through the juvenile court system to facilitate prompt delivery of services and to make independent recommendations to the Court concerning the child’s well-being.
Other people may come and go in the child’s life, but their CASA volunteer provides a constant presence that the child needs to thrive.
CASA volunteers begin by getting to know everyone in the child(ren)'s life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They visit their appointed child(ren) every 30 days and build a trusting, stable relationship. CASA volunteers do not investigate allegations of abuse but rather compile evidence of what is in the best interest of the child. Advocates use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what decisions support their best interests. These fact-based results are provided to the Court through a written report.
Advocates also monitor their child(ren)'s case by following the parents' progress in their service plan and ensure that the child is adequately cared for and that special needs are being addressed, such as counseling, tutoring, medical care, developmental or physical therapies and more.
A few hours a month, a lifetime of impact.
Being a CASA volunteer is a deeply rewarding experience and is not only for retired community members. In fact, over 70% of current CASA for Kids volunteers work full-time, as well! CASA volunteers typically serve 5 to 10 hours each month on their case.
Who can be a CASA volunteer?
You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be a volunteer. CASA for Kids welcomes community members from all walks of life. We are simply looking for people who genuinely care about children and have the dedication to see their case through. CASA volunteers are thoroughly trained before being appointed and well supported by professional staff to help them through each case.
Volunteers must pass a background check, participate in a 30-hour pre-service training course and commit to serve a case until it is closed, typically 18-months. The pre-service training is virtual and can be completed in the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule!
Past Advocate with her appointed child on adoption day.
Create lasting impact for a child in foster care in your community. Volunteer today
