CASA is a growing network of ordinary citizens, like you, making an extraordinary difference by speaking up for children in foster care. You can learn more on this page. Or click the link below to learn about our monthly online informational meetings hosted by CASA staff who will tell you about becoming a CASA volunteer and answer your questions live.

GET INVOLVED

What does a CASA Do?

A Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA, is a trained volunteer, sworn in as a Friend of the Court and appointed to a specific child by a Judge. A CASA advocates for children removed from their homes because they were found to be unsafe by the state. Working with case professionals and attorneys, a CASA advocates for the best interest of a child. A CASA volunteer meets with the child at least monthly and attends monthly team meetings with case professionals, parents and/or foster parents. A CASA will meet with teachers, daycare providers, medical and mental health providers, and other service providers as needed. At least every six months, a CASA will write a court report with recommendations to the court for the child's best interest. A CASA will also attend periodic court hearings.

Essential Volunteer Duties:

  1. Meet with the child on a consistent basis, a minimum of one time per month.
  2. Attend meetings with case professionals, parents and/or foster parents.
  3. Establish and maintain contact with schools, therapists, medical professionals, and other professionals involved in the child’s life.
  4. Monitor court-ordered services to ensure effectiveness, and advocate for additional services as needed.
  5. Document observations, facts and, circumstances of the child’s situation in a written court report including recommendations for placement, services, and permanency.
  6. Maintain complete records of contacts, hours, and mileage.
  7. Attend court hearings.

Training:

  1. Complete 30 hours of pre-service training and 2 hours of court observation.
  2. Complete 12 hours of continuing education training annually.
  3. Minimum Requirements:
  4. Able to commit to a minimum of 1 year.
  5. Willing to donate 8 to 10 hours per month.
  6. Able to commit to training hours as noted above.
  7. Attend court hearings or arrange for supervisor attendance.
  8. Able to maintain objectivity and professionalism in dealing with the child and all other parties involved.
  9. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  10. Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  11. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  12. Must pass a background check, have a valid driver’s license/identification, valid phone number, and have a permanent address.

Five steps to becoming a CASA

1) Complete the program application.
The application will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Be prepared to provide address history for the past 20 years, and three references (personal and/ or professional) and their email address.

2) Interview with CASA staff.
Once the application is completed, CASA staff will contact you to schedule an interview to ensure you and the program staff know CASA is the right volunteer opportunity for you. 

3) Successfully complete background checks.
CASA staff will initiate the background checks after initial acceptance into the program.

4) Attend and successfully complete CASA training.
Your local CASA program provides a 30-hour training. In-class and on-line options are available.

5) Attend a swearing-in ceremony at Court or you may be sworn in virtually by a judge.