Help a child in need
You can make a difference and be a hero for a child who has suffered abuse.
Court Appointed Special Advocates are specially trained community volunteers appointed by Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judges to speak in the best interest of children who are brought before the court for reasons of abuse or neglect. The CASA is an official part of the judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys, social workers and other professionals. By handling only one or two cases at a time, the CASA has time to thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case.
How to get started
Step 1: Information Session
Attendance is required before you apply. Each information session provides an in-depth look into what is required of our CASA volunteers. These sessions are virtual and offered monthly, with more frequent sessions as we get closer to each application deadline. If you are interested in attending an information session, please send an email to info@casacis.org.
Step 2: Application
Once you have attended an information session you will receive an application. Complete the application if you feel like this is the right volunteer opportunity for you.
Step 3: Screening
After you complete an application, you will be contacted by one of the Child Advocacy Supervisors to schedule an interview. It is important that volunteers fully understand the unique volunteer opportunity that is being a CASA. The interview process also allows you as the applicant to ask questions to ensure this volunteer opportunity fits with your expectations and schedule. Because we work with children, we conduct a thorough background check on all of our volunteers initially as well as every four years and require our volunteers to be fingerprinted.
Step 4: Training
We offer new advocate training three times a year. Trainings are conducted over the course of a three week period on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Training includes discussions on various relevant topics to being a CASA and working with abused and neglected children, as well as a court observation with a Child Advocacy Supervisor. Training is considered to be an extension of our screening process.
Step 5: Swearing In and Starting a Case
After successful completion of steps 1-4, you will be sworn-in by one of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations judges. You will be assigned to a Child Advocacy Supervisor and will work directly with them throughout your case. Your supervisor will be on-hand to assist you in every aspect of being a CASA.
