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 court approved training before being assigned a case.
To be a CASA volunteer you must be at least 21 years old, you must feel abuse and neglect is a community problem that needs community action and support, you must be able to work with frustrating circumstances and sometimes unbelievable situations, and you must keep accurate notes and enjoy people.
As a volunteer you make home visits to collect information regarding the parents and children on your case. You attend court hearings and make recommendations to the court regarding the placement of the children you are working with and services or help for the parents. You also maintain contact with school officials, therapists, and anyone who is involved with the child/children and parents you are assigned.
We usually offer training 2 times a year (Spring and Fall). The training is 6 weeks long on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9:30 p.m. for a total of 30 hours. We do record the training so if you start and then have to miss a night or two due to illness, vacation, etc. you can view it via DVD at home.