The
Nuts and Bolts and Application Packet |
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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