FAQs
What is a CASA?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained individual who is appointed by the judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. These children have experienced abuse or neglect whose voices often go unrepresented in court proceedings.
What is the role of a CASA volunteer?
A CASA volunteer provides the judge with researched and factual information about the child and their family. This information is taken into consideration by the judge and is used to help make an informed decision about what is best for the child. CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of the child by ensuring that each child is placed in a safe, permanent, and loving home. CASA volunteers are independent and objective. CASA volunteers speak exclusively for the child’s best interest.
How effective is CASA?
According to National CASA, research shows that children who have an assigned CASA tend to spend less time in the foster care system than those who do not have an assigned CASA. Children with a CASA volunteer have better chances of achieving permanency as compared to children without a CASA volunteer.
Who can volunteer to be a CASA?
CASA volunteers are regular people, like you and me. There is no special or legal background required. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and pass necessary background checks. Volunteers are screened and interviewed before undergoing training.
What type of training is required?
CASA volunteers go through 30 hours of comprehensive training prior to being sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. We provide all of the training that is required. Our training sessions have portions that we complete together in person and portions that the volunteer complete at home. Every year, CASA volunteers are required to complete an additional 12 hours of Continuing Education. We offer monthly training sessions and have resources to help our volunteers meet those hours.
How will I be supported as a volunteer?
CASA volunteers are teamed up with a Supervisor on staff at The Court and Child Advocacy Group to provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the entire duration of the case. Supervisors are available to help review court reports and offer suggestions.
How many cases does a CASA volunteer get assigned, and how much time do they spend on their case(s)?
CASA volunteer caseloads are very small. Most volunteers have 1 or 2 cases. The amount of time that a CASA volunteer spends on each case depends on the complexity of the case. Most CASA volunteers will spend about 5 - 7 hours per month on their case. CASA volunteers remained assigned to a case until permanency is achieved.