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Our Program

Purpose:

CASA volunteers promote and protect the best interests of children and youth in court dependency proceedings, the child welfare system, and the community.

What You Need to Know:

CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens with extraordinary hearts.

  • Volunteers are screened closely for objectivity, competence, and commitment. 
  • Volunteers are provided with all the necessary training and training materials.
  • No special or legal background required.
  • Outside speakers as well as staff and volunteers work together to make our training sessions educational, interesting, interactive, and practical.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • To be 21 years of age or older
  • Successful completion of the 30 hour training program
  • Successful completion of 10 hours of court observation
  • To undergo local and federal criminal background checks
  • To complete an in-person interview with CASA staff 
  • To commit to the program for the duration of your case
  • Complete 12 hours of in-service training each year
  • Written and verbal communication skills
  • Access to reliable transportation and a computer 
  • Maintain the desire and heart to advocate for the best interests of children that have experienced abuse or neglect

CASA Volunteer Duties:

  • To successfully complete the requirements of the CASA training program and screening process
  • To gather information in order to establish the facts and circumstances of the child's situation
  • To actively pursue a safe, permanent placement for the child
  • To maintain strict confidentiality with all information related to the child and their families
  • To visit the child at least once a month
  • To ensure the child's best interests don't get overlooked while in foster care
  • To provide written reports of findings and recommendations to CASA staff prior to court hearings 
  • To communicate regularly with CASA staff about the case and the advocacy steps taken to ensure the best interests of the child are represented in court
  • To maintain a focus on each case until permanency is achieved, assessing the progress of the case, advocating for a permanent solution and reporting problems or noncompliance to the court
  • To maintain genuine care and concern for the best interests of the child
  • Download this helpful flyer to learn more about being a CASA Volunteer!