What does it mean to be a CASA Advocate?

Becoming a CASA volunteer is an enjoyable and meaningful investment of time, energy and heart. But as many volunteers have said of the children they worked with: "It wasn't about what I gave them, it was what they showed me." 

How much time does it take to be a CASA Volunteer?
All volunteers must complete a pre-service training. About 20 hours takes place in a classroom over several sessions and the other part is online at your own convenience. The time commitment to a case varies depending upon the stage of the case. Volunteers sometimes say that there is a greater amount of work in the beginning of the case, when they are conducting their initial research. On average, you can expect to spend approximately 5 hours a month on a case. 

CASA of Douglas County provides independent advocacy for children in foster care and is the only agency in the county providing this service.  Our organization ensures that Douglas County children in foster care have the benefit of a court appointed volunteer who monitors each child’s situation and advocates for a resolution of the case that is in the child’s best interest. 
 
What it takes to become a CASA Volunteer
When you take on a CASA case, you take on a child's future.  Becoming a CASA volunteer requires a significant but rewarding commitment.  Volunteers typically spend about five hours per week working on their cases, and the minimum commitment required of each volunteer is two years.

Our volunteers come from all backgrounds.  They include men and women with a variety of professional and educational experience.  Many work full-time, while others are students or retired people.  No legal or social service experience is required, but individuals must be at least 21 years of age.

Do I need to make a long-term commitment to the program?
You are asked to dedicate yourself to a case until it is closed.  The average case lasts about a year and a half. We find most advocates learn the most if they take two cases once they are sworn in and then, considering their personal schedule, let us know if they are able to take on  an additional case after about 6 months. 

Do I need to have any special skills or meet any requirements?
No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We encourage people from all cultures and professions, and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds. Once accepted into the program, you will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of abused and neglected children, cultural competency, advocacy, interviewing techniques and report writing. 

An advocate's  role is to represent the best interests of the child.  That may not always mean what the child wants. Advocates 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 advocate's role is not to become a Big Brother or Sister to the child. 

Requirements include:
     -  Be 21 years old.
    -  Be willing to complete necessary background checks, provide references and participate in an interview.
    -  Have an email account and regular access to a computer.
    -  Complete a minimum of 40 hours of pre-service training (half in classroom and in the courtroom, and the other half online).
    -  Be available for court appearances, with advance notice.
    -  Be willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed.

Exactly what does a CASA Volunteer do?
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court and other settings. The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer are to:
    -  Gather information: Review documents and records, interview family members and professionals in their lives. 
    -  Document findings: Provide written reports at court hearings. 
    -  Appear in court: Advocate for the child's best interests. 
    -  Explain what is going on: Help the child understand the court proceedings.
    -  Recommend services: Ensure that the children are receiving appropriate services and advocate for those that are not immediately
        available. Bring concerns about the child's health, education, mental health, etc., to the appropriate professionals.
    -  Monitor case plans and court orders: Check to see that plans are being followed and mandated review hearings are being held. 

What sort of support will I receive?
The CASA program supports volunteers in three ways:  
    -  Supervision: Program Supervisors provide unlimited assistance to volunteer advocates during regular office houses, as well as
        availability by phone to accommodate volunteer schedules.  
    -  Social support: We provide opportunities for CASAs to meet and discuss cases and receive recognition for outstanding work.  CASA
        work is very individual, as each CASA deals with a unique case and set of circumstances. The result is that CASAs can feel isolated
        and disconnected with the broader mission of the agency and group gatherings are helpful in reconnecting.  
    -  Educational support: Our monthly meeting includes a guest speaker to expand volunteers’ knowledge of local resources and fulfill
        requirements for continued in-service training.

There are Three Simple Steps to Becoming a CASA Advocate:

1

application

Print, and fill out an application, plus three other documents located here and mail to the CASA office, or email staff at:  katherine@casaofdouglascounty.org for more information.

2

interview & information session

All potential volunteers have an interview conducted by a CASA staff member.  They must also be cleared through a criminal background investigation, as well as the Oregon Central Registry for Child Abuse.

3

training

All volunteers must complete a 40-hour training course.  Once this training is complete, CASA volunteers can take on their first case!

Call the CASA office today at 541-672-7001 to request information on becoming a CASA, and schedule an interview.  In the interview you can ask about the role and we will share more to help you make your decision about continuing the interview process.  The process includes training, background checks and more interviews so that you can have all your questions answered.

Are you Ready to be a Voice for Douglas County's most vulnerable citizen... 
a  Child in Foster Care?