CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interest of a neglected or abused child. The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer include the following:
- Gather information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members and other parties
- Provide written reports at court hearings
- Appear in court
- Recommend services: Share concerns about the child’s health, education, mental health, etc.
- Monitor case
- Visit child(ren) monthly
- Document hours/mileage
Time Commitment
Time commitment typically depends on the stage of the case. Volunteers report that there is a greater time commitment at the beginning of a case. While the CASA volunteer experience is generally flexible and scheduled at the volunteer’s convenience, occasionally there are mandatory court hearings or meetings during business hours. A typical volunteer spends:
- 30 hours in pre-service training (15 hours in person/15 hours online)
- 10-15 hours per month working on their case
Requirements
- Be 21 years old
- Completion of the volunteer application including references and background check
- Participation in an interview
- Completion of 30 hour pre-service training
- Available for court appearances, with advance notice
- Commitment to the CASA program for at least 1 year
