VOLUNTEERING

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a Juvenile Court judge to advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child. CASAs gather information, attend court proceedings, and make recommendations to ensure each child’s right to safety, dignity, and a loving, permanent home.

CASA volunteers gather independent information about a child in 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 in foster care. Volunteers maintain focus on the child until permanency is achieved, spending an average of five 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 one year (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 and complete 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.