VOLUNTEERING

How Do I Become a CASA & Change a Child’s Story?

We are always looking for new supporters of our future generations. A small amount of time each month is all it takes to make a difference in the life of a child! 

  • Sincere care for the well-being of children

  • At least 21 years of age

  • Pass criminal background checks

  • Good verbal & written communication skills

  • Ability to be objective & non-judgmental 

  • Available to attend all court hearings

  • Commitment to the Alcovy CASA program for at least 2 years or preferably until case is resolved. 

Volunteer Application

Supported Every Step of the Way

Alcovy CASA provides our volunteers with the knowledge, tools, and ongoing support so they can confidently advocate for children experiencing foster care. From day one, you are never alone.

Watch to see the important role our CASA Volunteers play in the lives of children experiencing foster care, and meet the team who is encouraging and supporting them along the way.

FAQs

  • A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a juvenile court judge to advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child in juvenile court dependency proceedings. 

    The CASA volunteer gathers information about the child’s situation, attends court proceedings and makes a recommendation to the judge so that the judge has the information to make a decision about the child’s future. A CASA volunteer protects a child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family.

  • CASA volunteers gather independent information about a child who is experiencing foster care and make recommendations to the Judge in the child’s best interests. They review records, attend court hearings, identify family and community resources, and work cooperatively with others involved in the case. Most importantly, CASAs visit their assigned child at least once a month, providing consistent support and building a trusted relationship while the child is experiencing foster care. Volunteers maintain focus on the child until permanency is achieved, spending an average of ten hours per month on their own schedule.

  • CASA volunteers must have a sincere care for the well-being of children and be mature adults with strong verbal and written communication skills. They must attend all court hearings, commit for at least two years (preferably until the case is resolved), and demonstrate objectivity and non-judgment. All volunteers complete a 40-hour comprehensive training program.

  • Becoming a CASA volunteer requires a written application with three references, a criminal records check, and federal fingerprinting. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and complete an online application and a personal interview before joining a training class. Volunteers complete 40 hours of training, including court observation, and are sworn in by a Juvenile Court Judge before their first case. CASA appointments last until a case is resolved, and volunteers complete 12 hours of in-service training annually.

  • On average, a CASA Volunteer spends about 10 hours a month volunteering on an assigned case.

    While some of the volunteer hours are flexible, many duties will occur during business hours. CASA Volunteers must also be available to speak with professionals around their schedules (the child’s caregiver, teachers, DFCS Case Managers, etc.) and attend court hearings or child-related meetings during business hours.