Volunteer

CASA is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocate.  CASA volunteers are ordinary people who care about kids.  CASA volunteers come from all backgrounds.  Many work full time.  Some are students or retired people.  Most CASA volunteers work on one case at a 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, including the child.  They make independent reports to the court, recommending what they believe is best for the child, providing the judge with information that will help him or her make an informed decision.  During the life of a case, a CASA volunteer monitors the child's situation to make sure he or she remains safe.  CASA volunteers could be one consistent influence in the child's life as he or 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.  Most programs ask a commitment of at least a year.  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 volunteer 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 they will establish a relationship with the child, the CASA volunteers' role is not to become a Big Brother or Sister to the child.

Good Communication Skills
CASA volunteers must be able to talk 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.  You 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 40-hour curriculum and accompanying materials which local CASA programs adapt to their own communities.  A volunteer supervisor is available to discuss your case, help problem solve and make sure you get any legal support you need.  CASA of Douglas County has a mentor component where experienced volunteers can be matched up with new volunteers.