Volunteer for a child
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) has an important role. Without these special volunteers, abused and neglected children sometimes feel that adults don't care how they feel or what they want. A CASA, who works with one family at a time, is a volunteer who is sworn in as an officer of the court. The CASA Volunteer visits the child and gets to know that child. They work with all the adults in the child's life, and write recommendations for the Judge to help make good decisions for that child's best interests. Often, the CASA volunteer is the only person the children can rely on to be a stable part of their life. The CASA is able to report to the court and remain involved with the child until that child is in a safe and permanent home. Becoming a CASA is a serious responsibility, but a rewarding experience.
Find time to SPEAK UP for a child
Find the time, an average of two hours per week, to help an abused or neglected child realize what every child deserves -- a safe, loving home. Speak up for a child in court by volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
CASA volunteers must...
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Have his or her own transportation
- Be literate and able to communicate clearly in English
- Complete an application form, consent to a criminal background check and provide three acceptable references
- Participate in 33 hours of training classes
- Be mature, respectful, honest, professional and objective
- Understand and respect confidentiality guidelines
- Be able to appreciate and respect cultural diversity
Duties of a CASA volunteer
- Maintain frequent contact with the represented child and their family
- Record all contact made for the case
- Prepare written reports for each court hearing and attend those hearings
- Maintain contact with the Cass County CASA office staff and inform them of donated time and mileage
- Attend CASA training meetings and confrences
- Maintain open, effective communication with all parties
- Represent the CASA program
- Return the files to the CASA office soon after the case terminates or the volunteer leaves the program
Click here to volunteer!
