Anyone interested in volunteering will need to complete an online application, undergo a background check, participate in an interview with a CASA staff member, and complete pre-service training before being assigned a case.
CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years old and enjoy interacting with people. It is essential that volunteers view child abuse and neglect as a community issue requiring community action. Volunteers must be able to handle challenging circumstances and sometimes unbelievable situations.
The responsibilities of CASA volunteers include, a) visiting children in their homes, whether that is in their own home, a relative's home, or a foster home; b) collecting information about family history, environment, relationships, and needs of the child; c) speaking up for the child by making recommendations regarding the child's best interests in written reports and court hearings. Volunteers also maintain contact with school officials, therapists, and anyone who is involved with the child/children and parents in the assigned case.
We offer training for new volunteers several times each year. The training curriculum is part online and part in-person (6 meeting dates) for a total of 30 hours. Training includes:
• The role of a CASA volunteer
• Child Abuse and Neglect cases (also known as CHINS – Children In Need of Services)
• Some of the common issues that may bring a family to court - drug/alcohol abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and domestic violence
• How to interact with children and families
• Following a case through the court system
• Writing a report to the court
Ready to get involved? Contact us at (260)449-7190 or fill out our ONLINE APPLICATION.