Becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a rewarding and important volunteer opportunity. CASAs are community volunteers who advocate for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and are in the care of the foster care system. If you're considering becoming a CASA volunteer, here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that may be helpful:
What is a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate)?
A CASA is a volunteer who is trained to advocate for the best interests of children involved in the child welfare system. CASAs are a trusted mentor and advocate to ensure that a child’s voice is heard in court and that their needs are met in terms of safety, well-being, and stable placement.
Who can become a CASA?
CASAs come from various backgrounds, but all volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal background, and possess a genuine desire to help children. CASA volunteers should be responsible, reliable, and capable of maintaining confidentiality.
What are the responsibilities of a CASA volunteer?
A CASA volunteer:
Provides a consistent, supportive adult presence in the child’s life.
Advocates for the child’s safety, stability, and well-being, and ensures that their needs are being addressed.
Attends court hearings, with the support of an Advocate Supervisor and provides recommendations to the judge regarding the child's best interests.
What is the process to become a CASA?
You can find a step-by-step guide on becoming a CASA here.
How long does it take to become a CASA?
From the initial application to the first case assignment, the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the training schedule and completion of background checks.
What kind of training do CASAs receive?
CASA training generally includes topics such as child development, the legal system, cultural competency, trauma-informed practices, and understanding child abuse and neglect. You can find a detailed overview of CASA OC Training here.
How much time does being a CASA take?
CASAs are generally expected to schedule visits with their youth two times per month. Visits can range from from one to three hours depending upon personal preferences. For a more detailed look into the life of a CASA, click here.
Do I get paid for being a CASA?
CASA volunteers are not paid; they are volunteers. However, certain out-of-pocket expenses may be reimbursed. CASA and donors may provide additional support and resources as available.
Do I need legal experience or a background in social work?
Legal or social work experience is not required. CASA volunteers come from all kinds of backgrounds. The training provided by the CASA program equips volunteers with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate effectively.
How long do I have to serve as a CASA volunteer?
Because providing consistency for a child is so critical to the role, CASA volunteers are asked to agree to a two-year commitment. If a shorter term role is preferred, there are always Family Finding cases available and sometimes, a shorter-term Family Maintenance case can be assigned.
Can I choose which cases I work on?
While CASA programs usually try to match volunteers with cases that align with their interests and experience, the availability of cases will depend on the children on the Waitlist. However, you can express preferences regarding the age or type of cases you're comfortable handling.
What if I don’t have experience with children or child welfare?
No prior experience with child welfare or children is necessary. The training and support provided by CASA programs help volunteers understand how to handle difficult situations and how to advocate for children effectively.
What support do CASA volunteers receive?
CASA volunteers work under the guidance and ongoing support of CASA Advocate Supervisors. There are also opportunities for networking with other CASA volunteers through both in-person and virtual gatherings.
What happens if I can’t continue with a case?
If a CASA is unable to continue serving on a case for any reason, they should notify their Advocate Supervisor as soon as possible. The program will find a replacement volunteer to ensure the child’s needs are still met.
How can I make a difference as a CASA?
By being a consistent, caring adult, you can help a child navigate difficult circumstances and help ensure that they have the best possible chance for a safe and stable future. As a CASA volunteer, you help amplify a child's voice in the legal system and ensure their interests are considered in decisions about their lives.
If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, the best way to get started is to attend a no-obligation Information Session by signing up here.