Volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer your time to change children's lives Start by finding your local program and inquire about becoming a CASA volunteer. PROGRAM LOCATOR Volunteers are everyday citizens judges appoint to advocate for the safety and well-being of children who are victims of parental abuse and neglect. They stand up for these children and change their lives. What does it mean to be a CASA volunteer? Becoming a CASA volunteer is an 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 30-hour pre-service training. 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 15 hours a month on a case. 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. 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. Requirements include: Be 21 years old Be willing to complete necessary background checks, provide references and participate in an interview Complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training 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, meet with the children, family members and professionals in their lives. Collaborate: Work together with other members of the child's team and seek cooperative solutions. Advocate: Advocate for the child's best interests by making recommendations for needed services, providing written reports to the court updating the judge and appearing in court and providing testimony when necessary. Monitor case plans and court orders: Check to see that plans are being followed and progress is being made. Be a Voice for the child: Include the chil's expressed wishes in your reports to the court to provide an additional voice to the child in court. What sort of support will I receive? You will be supported every step of the way. You will be assigned a volunteer coordinator who will be there to assist you and provide you with opportunities for continuing education. In addition to your local organization both the state and national organizations offer support to the volunteers. How do I become a CASA volunteer? Start by finding your local program and inquire about becoming a CASA volunteer. PROGRAM LOCATOR Only 1 in 6 Arizona children in foster care has a CASA Volunteer. TELL A FRIEND "Good cause. Good People. Like it!" -Stephen B. Roman "I am so excited to get my first case. What an amazing program this is! :)" -Billie Moffit "I'm not sure who benefits more ... my CASA Girl or me." -Leslie Stevens Contact us | CASAofArizona.org | Azcourts.gov CASA of Arizona is a program of the Dependent Children's Services Division of the Arizona Supreme Court Administrative Office of the Courts