WHAT IS A CASA VOLUNTEER? 

Everyday people help children and families by serving as CASA volunteers. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. All of the children are victims of abuse and neglect and have been removed from their homes. Children helped by CASA volunteers include those for whom placement is being determined in circuit court.

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WHAT IS THE CASA VOLUNTEER'S ROLE?

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CASA volunteers research the child’s circumstances, determine relevant facts in a child’s case and report this information to the court. Their work helps to support the court’s decision concerning the child’s future. A CASA volunteer focuses his or her recommendations and actions to ensure the best interests of the child are being met. A CASA will also monitor a case—making sure that the services ordered are actually provided and that the court is informed of any new developments. Every case is unique, but a CASA often must recommend to the court whether or not a child should be reunified with his or her biological parents, be placed in foster care, or be available for adoption with another family. Though the final decision always rests with the judge, a CASA volunteer does his or her best to inform the court as an independent and objective voice for the child. The CASA is the child’s voice in the courtroom.

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HOW DOES A CASA VOLUNTEER GATHER INFORMATION TO ESTABLISH RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COURT?

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To prepare recommendations, a CASA volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, caseworkers, school officials, health providers and others who have knowledge of the child’s history. A CASA volunteer observes interactions between the child and parent, visits the parent’s home and reviews documents and case-related material (i.e. School records, medical records, child services records, etc.) pertaining to the child. The information gathered is reviewed in order to form recommendations. In other words, a CASA talks with people that may have a “piece” of information that helps give the Judge the “big picture” so he or she has a better understanding of the child and his or her life to make more informed decisions for the child’s best interest in obtaining safe, permanent homes, as quickly as possible.

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WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT TO BE A CASA VOLUNTEER?

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CASA volunteers spend on average 10 hours per month on their assigned case. Additionally, we ask that CASA volunteers commit to a minimum of one year of service to assist with ensuring these children that have had so many people come and go from their lives has a constant presence of someone in their corner. 

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WHAT TRAINING AND/OR EDUCATION IS REQUIRED TO BE A CASA VOLUNTEER?

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CASA provides volunteers with a 30-hour pre-service training facilitated by CASA staff. Through this training, trainees will gain information, skills, and resources to confidently perform their role as a CASA volunteer. There is no education requirement aside from a high school diploma or equivalent.

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I'M READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR A CHILD, WHAT DO I DO NOW?

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First, you will need to complete the volunteer application, which can be found here: Volunteer Application (evintosolutions.com) Once the application is submitted, a staff member will contact the applicant within 48 hours (weekdays) to schedule an interview. Once those steps are successfully completed, applicants will be enrolled in the next training class.