Being the Voice for Children
What is A CASA Volunteer?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer who is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interest of an abused or neglected child involved in juvenile court dependency proceedings. The CASA gathers information about the child’s situation, attends court proceedings and makes fact based, independent recommendations to the court so that the judge has the information to make an informed decision about the child’s future. The CASA helps to protect the child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family.
What qualifications do I need to be a volunteer?
- Sincerely care for the well-being of children.
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Pass criminal background checks.
- Have good verbal & written communication skills.
- Have the ability to be objective & non-judgmental.
- Be available to attend all court hearings.
- Commit for at least 1 year or until the case is resolved.
How to Become A CASA Volunteer?
- Submit an application with references.
- Be interviewed by a CASA staff person.
- Complete the required training.
- Be sworn in by a judge.