Signing up to go through CASA training and committing to work with a child, teen or young adult who has experienced neglect or abuse can seem like an intimidating prospect. So, what does the work really entail? What kind of previous experience is truly needed? What is fact and what is fiction about this important work? Let’s look at some of the myths and misconceptions that exist about working with youth in the foster care system and separate the fact from the fiction.
1) Myth: Relevant experience or degree is needed
Fact: Some people believe that you must have a specific degree in social work or related fields, but this is not a prerequisite for volunteering with CASA. While backgrounds in these areas may be helpful, it is not at all necessary.
In fact, CASA provides comprehensive, free training to all prospective volunteers to build understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the position, the inner-workings of the dependency system, cultural sensitivity, childhood development, and the impact of trauma on children, amongst a range of other topics. The key requirements to be an effective CASA are to be a consistent, reliable, trusted adult in the life of a child. Equally important is the ability to deal with complex situations with compassion and without judgment.
2) Myth: Volunteers are typically middle-aged, white and affluent
Fact: While retirement and an “empty nest” provides an opportunity for many to volunteer, CASA volunteers come from a very diverse background.
CASA actively promotes inclusivity and diversity in volunteer recruitment, recognizing the importance of advocates who represent the culture and ethnicity of the youth who are served. Volunteers come from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and span a broad range of ages, all united by their shared commitment to advocating for children in need.
3) Myth: Being a CASA is a consistently rewarding experience
Fact: Being a CASA provides deep satisfaction for volunteers who see the impact they are making in the life of a child. However, not every moment of CASA service brings immediate gratification. Volunteers often face challenges where their efforts may not yield immediate positive outcomes.
While the responsibilities of a CASA often involve navigating complex situations and advocating for children in difficult circumstances, every CASA volunteer is always under the careful supervision of a CASA Advocate Supervisor. Advocate Supervisors are CASA staff members who provide guidance and support every step of the way including joining their advocates for every court appearance. The CASA journey is filled with successes and setbacks due to the many challenges faced by the youth who are served, but most CASA volunteers report a deep sense of meaning and purpose in what they do and many say it’s the most rewarding work they’ve ever done.
4) Myth: Younger volunteers may experience ageism
Fact: Some prospective volunteers assume that being an effective CASA requires being a certain age and having tremendous life experience. However, younger volunteers, often in their early twenties, report their age is an asset in developing a bond with their youth.
Youth in foster care are surrounded by so many adult “authority figures,” that a younger volunteer, who’s closer in age, is often a welcome relief. One 23 year old CASA said that she and her teenage youth developed an immediate bond over TikTok videos and “girl gossip.”
Younger CASAs report sharing many of the same interests as their youth including playing video games, hiking and enjoying sports together.
5) Myth: Volunteers must have a deep understanding of the foster care system
Fact: Some prospective CASA volunteers share a concern that they don’t fully understand the complexities of the foster care system and should defer to professionals. Before being matched with a youth, every CASA goes through comprehensive training which provides an overview of the dependency system. Once being sworn-in, every CASA is accompanied, throughout their journey as a volunteer, by a CASA staff member appointed to be their Advocate Supervisor.
While professionals play a crucial role in the foster care system, CASA volunteers provide special one-on-one attention and advocacy for a child that is not provided anywhere else in their lives. Many children are profoundly moved to learn that their CASA is a volunteer who chooses to spend time with them, and often the only adult in their life who is not being paid to be with them.
6) Myth: Being a CASA is too big of a commitment
Fact: The traditional CASA volunteer role matches an advocate with a youth in the foster care system. This typically involves visits two times per month scheduled at times that are convenient for both the advocate and the youth. Because children in foster care experience so much disruption in their lives due to frequent changes in their placements, schools, friends and social workers, CASA volunteers are asked to dedicate two years to the program.
Other volunteer opportunities with CASA are available to those who seek a shorter time commitment. Family Finding advocates support youth in care by working behind the scenes to locate and engage additional relationships with family members and friends (also known as kin.) Since most of this research involves using a computer and making phone calls, it’s perfect for volunteers seeking a flexible, shorter-term commitment. And, from time to time, there are shorter term cases available with families who may need temporary support during a more narrow window of time as parents and children navigate court-mandated support services.
Other CASA volunteer opportunities that require a brief time commitment are at fundraisers and other special events such as the annual Holiday Luncheon, Gala Celebration and other community events. But, with hundreds of youth currently on the CASA waitlist, the greatest need is always for traditional CASA volunteers.
Separating fact from fiction when considering this very special volunteer opportunity will help potential advocates better understand the important role of being a CASA. By sharing additional insights and details which address these myths, we hope to inspire more members of the community to consider the transformative journey of CASA volunteering and making a difference in the life of vulnerable children. Learn more by joining us for an upcoming Information Session.