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Be their voice.

BECOME A CASA

BECOME A COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE

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You don't have to be a social worker or lawyer to become a CASA volunteer. All it takes is someone who is passionate, enthusiastic, and willing to give their time to be the voice of a child who has been placed in the custody of child welfare, and a simple background check.

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As a CASA volunteer, you'll become the voice of a child who has experienced abuse or neglect and you will advocate for them in court. CASA volunteers are the child's advocate when in court and they fight for what is best for the child.

Am I the right fit to become an Advocate?

Your heart breaks when you hear stories about children from our community who have experienced abuse and neglect. You shudder to think about a little girl who has been removed from the only family she’s known and placed in a faceless, bewildering foster care system.
 

But, what can YOU do about it?

A lot! Think about becoming a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate. A CASA is not a foster parent or an attorney. A CASA is a community volunteer, just like YOU, who is specially trained and supported to speak up for the needs of a child in the foster care system.
 

Contrary to what most people think, there is not a single, perfect profile for what makes a good CASA volunteer. You can be employed full-time, retired, or a stay-at-home parent. 

You can have a ton of experience with the legal system and child welfare or no experience at all. 

You just need to be a committed individual willing to stand up for the best interest of a child in foster care. We will teach you the rest and provide guidance throughout your service.

Role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate:

  • An impartial observer, conducting an independent investigation

  • An information gatherer, obtaining all relevant facts about the child

  • A monitor, ensuring that the court's orders are carried out

  • A reporter, submitting written reports to the court

  • A consistent and caring adult, bringing calm and hope to a child during an incredibly turbulent time.

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Requirements:

  • Passion and time

  • 21+ years old

  • No felony convictions

  • Must agree to the anti-discrimination policy

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Training:

  • Attend an informational CASA 101 meeting with our Program Supervisor

  • Participate in a personal interview and thorough background screening

  • Complete 30 hours of initial training

  • Complete 12 hours annual in-service training

 

Qualifications:

  • Maintain confidentiality of all client and court information

  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing (being bilingual is a plus!)

  • Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds

 

Commitment:

  • Be available for 3-4 hours a week to dedicate to CASA work

  • Commit to the length of a case (average 24 months)

 

CASA Requirements
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