Why do children need a CASA?
CASA volunteers are passionate about the well-being of children in their community, but they are not all alike. They come from different backgrounds and have different lived experiences. Some are students, some are working, some are retired, and some are stay-at-home parents. They bring a variety of skills and knowledge to their role as a volunteer. They also bring the perspective of their race and culture. Each advocate is unique, and that uniqueness is leveraged in advocacy for a child.
While CASA volunteers are important advocates in the family court system, they do not need any special legal or social work training. They also do not need to be licensed foster parents because they do not provide care or housing for children. Instead, CASA volunteers come as they are, with open minds and open hearts.
How do I become a CASA volunteer?
People in counties all around the country follow the same steps to become a CASA volunteer. The goal of this process is to ensure that you are informed, trained, and equipped to be a court appointed special advocate.
- 1. Learn about CASA by perusing the website, attending an information session or volunteer interest mixer, or talking to a staff person.
- 2. Submit an application.
- 3. Participate in a pre-training interview.
- 4. Pass background checks.
- 5. Join a training course offered four times a year.
- 6. Complete 30 hours of training.
- 7. Participate in a post-training interview.
- 8. Be sworn in by a judge as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
- 9. Get assigned to your first advocate supervisor.
- 10. Choose your court case and start advocating for a child or teen. Remain with the child until the court closes the case (18-24 months).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the difference between a mentor and an advocate?
A: A mentor serves as a role model and works to build a long-term relationship with a child. An advocate supports a child during an especially traumatic time in their lives. The advocate’s role is to work themselves out of a job by ensuring that a child returns to a safe, stable, loving home.
Q: What are the requirements?
A: You must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Once assigned a case, you must see your child regularly and write a report for each quarterly court hearing. Don’t let the court reports scare you away! CASA staff will be there to help.
Q: Do I need to have any special abilities?
A: You must be able to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds in a variety of settings. You will also need the ability to respond well to a variety of emotions, including anger, despair, and fear.
Q: What sort of support will I have?
A: When you take a case, you will be assigned to your first advocate supervisor and will be supported every step of the way. You can also participate in continuing education opportunities, in-services, and state conferences.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: CASA volunteers spend from 10 to 15 hours a month on their case. This includes visiting the child, talking with other professionals, attending meetings, and writing court reports. We ask CASA volunteers to remain involved with their case until a child returns to a safe, loving, permanent home. This usually takes 18 to 24 months.
Q: Can I share a CASA case with a partner?
A: Yes! Some people sign up with a friend, family member, partner, or spouse. Others meet in training and decide to take a case together. People who co-CASA usually take on cases with more children or additional challenges.
Q: Can my CASA child hang out with my family?
A: No. In this role, you must strictly protect the confidentiality of the child. You may not take the child to your home or introduce them to your family or friends.
Q: May I give my CASA child gifts or take them out to do special things?
A: No, and yes. A CASA volunteer may not give a child money or expensive gifts. However, you may take a child out for a treat or lunch, and you may give them small gifts for their birthday or holidays.
Q: What if I still have more questions?
A: No problem! We’d be glad to answer all of them. Just reach out to us.
VOLUNTEER STORIES
Marni Vyn: Human of CASA
“You would make a great CASA.” These words stuck with Marni Vyn, though at the time, being busy with her young family kept her from getting involved.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kay Bylenga & Barb Zylstra
We’re featuring a special co-CASA duo: longtime friends Kay Bylenga and Barb Zylstra. Both Kay and Barb have been committed advocates, ambassadors, and supporters of CASA’s mission in many ways.
Volunteer Spotlight: Will Dawdy
For Will, becoming a CASA volunteer felt like a natural next step that aligned with their goals and passions.
