What is a CASA?
Description: CASA volunteers are paired to mentor a youth in foster care and work one on one to advocate for their best interests. As sworn officers of the court, CASA volunteers visit their youth on a regular basis, interact with professionals and others involved in the child's case, gather information, and make recommendations directly to the child's Judge. CASA abides by the guiding principle that it is in the youth’s best interest to grow and develop in the care of their family of origin if that can be safely achieved. Volunteer advocacy is focused on permanency, health, education, and life skills. CASA volunteers serve youth under the care of both the dependency and delinquency court from birth through the age defined by state statute (up to 21 years of age).
Responsibilities:
CASAs advocate for children's best interests through the following responsibilities, depending upon the needs of each individual case:
Complete a 32-hour pre-service training program, including in-person and online components.
Maintain regular contact with youth (visit twice per month). Establish a relationship with youth through consistent communication to understand the youth's needs and desires.
Gather information about the youth’s circumstances, evaluate the facts independently, and provide recommendations to the court by means of written reports.
Communicate sensitively and objectively with youth, social workers, foster care providers, therapists, teachers, attorneys, parents, or other family members who may be involved in the case.
Attend Court hearings pertaining to the assigned case. Support youth throughout Court proceedings.
Determine if a permanent plan has been created for the youth and whether appropriate services are provided to the youth and family.
Ensure that the court-approved plans for the youth are being implemented.
Maintain and submit monthly documentation of advocacy work, including a monthly check-in with CASA OC staff and timely entries detailing time spent on the case via an online database.
Complete 12 hours of continuing education per year.
Qualifications: Anyone over 21 who is committed to helping children in our community may apply to become a CASA volunteer. No specific educational background is required, but volunteers must have strong communication and problem-solving skills and enjoy working with people from various backgrounds and cultures. CASAs must hold a California Driving License and have a 3-year safe driving history. CASA's duties include face-to-face contact with a child twice a month wherever the child resides. All volunteers must undergo a background check, including fingerprinting and regular DMV checks.
Time Commitment: CASA Volunteers are expected to devote the necessary time to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and are encouraged to spend 8 - 10 hours per month volunteering for a minimum of 2 years or until permanency is achieved. Hours are primarily weekends and evenings with some availability during business hours required.
