Volunteer
Caring. Collaborative. Committed.
Behind each statistic is a child, a family, a promising future, and a CASA volunteer who sees, hears, and advocates for the best interest of that child.
Benefits of Being a CASA Volunteer
As a CASA volunteer, you will ultimately help to change a child’s life for a brighter future. You can help to end the cycle of abuse and neglect. Among many other benefits, you will have an opportunity to learn about the juvenile court system and become actively involved in your community.
Because children are often unable to provide a voice for themselves during this critical and difficult time of their life, a CASA volunteer makes it possible to be their voice by advocating on their behalf.
Volunteer Qualifications
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Interest in children
Including their rights, welfare and special needs
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Program commitment of at least 1-year
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40 Hours of Training and Background Checks
Willingness and availability to participate in 40 hours of pre-service training, consent to criminal record and fingerprint checks.
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Respect and Relatability
Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds in a variety of settings.
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Interpersonal skills
To work with children, family members and professionals using tact, objectivity and concern.
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Communication Skills
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
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Must be at least 21 years of age.
Walk into any juvenile courtroom in the Enotah Circuit and you will see one or more of our CASA volunteers and an advocate supervisor.
CASA volunteers bring the people in the courtroom and everyone who is part of the child’s life together as a team, working together for the best interest of the child.
A CASA volunteer is appointed by an Enotah Court Judge to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. They stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence.
Responsibilities of a CASA Volunteer
- Visit the child
- Explain the role of a CASA volunteer
- Keep the child informed of all aspects of the court proceedings
- Gather independent information about the child to make recommendations to the judge in the child’s best interests
- Seek cooperative solutions with other participants in the child’s case
- Interview the parents, guardians or caretakers, social worker & other service providers
- Review records related to the family
- Prepare written reports for court hearings
- Attend & participate in court hearings & other related meetings
- Identify potential resources within the family & community to meet the child’s needs
- Keep all records & information confidential
- Monitor provisions of service plans & court orders
- Ensure the child’s wishes are known to the judge
- Advocate for the child in the community
- Consult with local CASA program staff for support and guidance
- Maintain focus on the child until permanency is achieved
I’m not sure I can commit to becoming an advocate right now. Is there something else I can do to help?
CASA has a variety of volunteer opportunities that would allow you to support our mission to serve abused children. You might consider attending one of our fundraising events, becoming a CASA Ambassador or making a financial contribution.