To identify and mobilize resources CASA builds relationships and gathers information from multiple sources, through face-to-face conversations, team meetings, phone call/text message exchanges, and emails, to co-create strategies to best understand and support children and youth. Once needs are identified CASA works collaboratively to connect our children and families to necessary services and resources for culturally relevant needs.

There are established protocols to ensure the safety of CASA volunteers and to report any incidents of danger or child abuse. As a CASA volunteer, you are not required to enter any home, neighborhood, or meeting where you feel unsafe.

Proactively work your case, utilize our online case management system, and reach out for support and guidance as needed. When you complete training, an experienced advocate, along with a staff member, are assigned to guide and support you throughout the entire time you are working with your CASA child/youth.

You must be 21 years or older and committed to helping children receive the individual attention and support they need to thrive. You will need to first attend an information session to learn more about the role to ensure it is the right fit. Then you will complete an online application, an interview, and background check (at no cost to you). Once accepted, you will complete 30+ hours of initial training prior to becoming a CASA volunteer. An effective CASA volunteer will have interpersonal communication skills, general computer literacy, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to equitable outcomes for all children.

Being a CASA volunteer for a child/youth living in foster care is a big commitment in many ways, time being one of them. We ask volunteers to commit to the length of the case. Cases last an average of 18-24 months, but can sometimes last longer. After training, the average time a CASA volunteer spends on their case per month is about 8-10 hours, which includes visiting the child/youth, talking to others involved in their life and case, writing a court report to the judge, and attending court hearings.

CASA volunteers get to know the child they are assigned to by talking with everyone in that child’s life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them. A CASA volunteer fulfills six main roles; Meet with the child once per week for at least one hour Gather information from all interested parties, such as attorneys, social workers, teachers, caregivers, therapists, etc. Keep an eye out for any unmet needs of the child, and advocate for those needs to be met Write a court report to the juvenile court judge for each hearing concerning the child. The report gives the judge the information the advocate has gathered, what the advocate believes to be in the child’s best interests, and what the child would like to have happen Attend all court hearings regarding the child (usually once every six months, sometimes more frequent) Monitor the case by doing all of the above until the child is placed in a safe, permanent, and nurturing home

The initial training will be comprised of both in-person sessions, and independent coursework. You will spend time in training identifying and developing appropriate boundaries. It will be important for you to maintain clear boundaries when working with children and families. Some training topics covered include: Child development Effects of trauma on children/youth Child welfare and court systems Other systems that affect children/youth (e.g. education, health) Intersectional systems of racism, poverty, sexual orientation and gender identity, disabilities, and substance use Understanding the intersectionality of racism, poverty, sexual orientation and gender identity, disabilities, and substance use is critical in our commitment to anti-racism. CASA volunteers practice cultural humility and learn how to examine inherent biases, experiences, and values that influence interactions with others. Volunteers will also complete 12 hours of ongoing training annually to enhance their skills and knowledge around these topics.

Yes, you are encouraged to attend court whenever possible. Your attendance at court will help you better understand the current needs of the child/youth and family, and will give you the opportunity to address the court directly, if needed. Court hearings are typically held every three months. CASA volunteers collect information from multiple sources consistently to make fact-based recommendations. You will receive support and guidance as you write a clear and concise court report for the judge, including actionable recommendations based on what is in the child/youth’s best interest.

ng relationships with others involved in the case is also essential to our advocacy. Working together with key partners such as the family, placement providers, child welfare, the court, attorneys, therapists, educational and medical professionals, and others, is in the best interest of the child. Maintaining confidentiality, consistent communication, and sharing of relevant information are what builds trust. Again, it’s critical to be aware of and address personal, institutional, and structural biases that exist.*

Building a relationship with the child/youth takes time and trust. Regular monthly visits, providing consistency, and following through on commitments are vital to ensuring you are able to build a healthy and enduring relationship with them. Actively listen, be nonjudgmental, and empathetic. It’s also critical to be aware of and address personal, institutional, and structural biases that exist.

There can be some flexibility. CASAs work collaboratively with others involved in the case. Visits and phone calls will need to be scheduled at mutually agreed upon times that work for all parties. CASA does not have control over when hearings are scheduled, but there is typically three months’ notice of the court schedule.