General FAQs
What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, is a community of volunteers trained to amplify the voice of an abused or neglected child in the foster care system.
CASA Volunteers gather information and make recommendations to help judges decide the best scenario for and interest of the child. The CASA Volunteer advocates for the child until the case is permanently resolved. For many abused and neglected children, their CASA Volunteer is the only constant presence during a frightening, uncertain time.
Volunteer FAQs
Who can become a CASA Volunteer?
CASA Volunteers come from all walks of life. No specific background, prior training, or education level is required. However, due to the sensitivity of the role played by the CASA Volunteer, we regret that not every applicant is accepted.
CASA Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older to apply and have reliable transportation for case visits. Volunteers must also successfully complete a Criminal History check, a Sex Offender check, and Department of Children and Families History check. Please note, being convicted of a crime does not mean you are immediately ineligible for becoming a CASA Volunteer.
What Qualifications Do CASA Volunteers Exemplify?
- Interest in children, children’s rights, and special needs
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills – oral and written
- Minimum age requirement is 21 years of age
- No criminal history
- Organizational skills
- Objectivity
- Compassionate
- Complete the CASA Training
- A Commitment of 9-15 Months from Case Assignment Date