WHAT IS A CASA
What is a CASA Volunteer and What Do They Do?
When you become a Court Appointed Special Advocate you can change the life of a child in foster care.
Welcome! A Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, or CASA, is a unique and extremely important role that serves to help preserve the well-being of children in foster care. New CASA Volunteers are always needed but understanding the role of a child advocate or the steps to becoming a CASA can seem complex.
In order to help, we have created this series of videos to walk you through why CASA Volunteers are so important, what they do throughout their tenure as a volunteer and finally, how you can become a CASA volunteer yourself. Children who have been removed from their homes, through no fault of their own, urgently need a voice – they need an advocate. You can be that difference.
THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
Children in foster care were at one time happy and safe, but through no fault of their own, they have now been removed from their homes to protect them and prioritize their best interest. These youth have experienced trauma due to abuse or neglect and are facing further trauma from the experience that is supposed to help and protect them. Any guidance for these children can be extremely beneficial in supporting their continued development and to preserve their self-esteem. That’s where a CASA volunteer comes in. They give these children hope and comfort while the parents, DCS, Court and others do what is necessary to make sure the child can be a in permanent, safe, and loving home.
THE CASA VOLUNTEERS
Many people may believe that a CASA volunteer must be someone with a degree in childcare or law or that they need to have a background in child welfare, but that isn’t the case. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. However, certain qualities help CASA volunteers to be more effective in their role as a child advocate. This video explores those qualities and how they are beneficial. CASA volunteers share a common desire to make a difference in their community. They are all passionate about making a substantive difference in a child’s life.
THE ROLE OF A CASA VOLUNTEER
There are many people that come in and out of a child’s life once they have been removed from their home, but a CASA volunteer is the only person whose sole role is to be the voice for that child. A CASA volunteer advocates in the child’s best interest within the Court and out in the world where the child lives every day. They get to know the child and understand the circumstances that led to the child’s removal from their home. A CASA will take the time to gather as much information about the child and their case circumstances as possible. They can do that by reaching out to the child’s social worker, the foster or group home, the case manager, their teachers, their counselors, or therapist. Together they can all collaborate on what is in the best interest of the child.
THE IMPACT OF A CASA VOLUNTEER
Children that do not have an adult advocating for their best interest may have additional foster placements and be lost in an overwhelmed system. A CASA volunteer can take the time to understand the child and help guide decisions related to placements, behavior and overall well-being. The CASA helps ensure the child receives Court ordered services and will speak up if services should be added or altered. These youth need someone they can trust and a consistent presence during this time on their life. The CASA volunteer is that presence and brings hope to each child so they can see a brighter future.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Even though specific experience is not necessary to become a CASA volunteer, there are still certain requirements for becoming a child advocate. This video walks you through those requirements as well as takes a look at the application process itself.
ABOUT THE CASA PROGRAM
The Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, program was originally established in 1977 and since its inception, has grown to 49 states across the nation. As of 2021, there are over 96,000 volunteers serving over 276,000 children. The CASA program eventually expanded to Arizona and was established in Maricopa Country in 1985. In Arizona, the program can be found in all 15 counties and has 1200 volunteers, half of which are based in Maricopa County. In Arizona a CASA volunteer will interact with: CASA of Arizona, their County CASA program, such as CASA of Maricopa County, and their support council such as Voices for CASA Children in Maricopa County.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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How Much Time Does it Take to Be an Advocate?
Continuity and trust are very important for these children, so we ask that you dedicate yourself to the case until it’s closed. That means about a year and a half on average.
What Exactly Does a CASA Volunteer Do?
As an advocate, you will have several responsibilities. You’ll need to:
- Gather Information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members and professionals in their lives.
- Participate in Document Findings: Provide written reports at court hearings.
- Appear in Court: Advocate for the child’s best interests and provide testimony when necessary.
- Explain What’s Going On: Help the child understand the court proceedings or other activities happening in their lives.
- “Be the Glue”: Seek cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved in the child’s life. As one volunteer said: “Be the glue that connects the pieces in a complicated child welfare system.”
- Recommend Services: Ensure that the child is receiving appropriate services. Advocate for those that are not immediately available. Bring concerns about the child’s education and physical and mental health to the appropriate professionals.
- Monitor Case Plans and Court Orders: Check to see that plans are being followed and mandated review hearings are being held.
- Keep the Court Informed: Update the court on developments with agencies and family members. Ensure that those responsible file appropriate motions on behalf of the child so the court knows about any changes in the child’s situation.
Who Can Be A Volunteer?
You don’t have to be a lawyer or a social worker to be a volunteer. We welcome everyone who is committed to advocacy for children to apply.
What Qualifications Does it Take to Be an Advocate?
No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We encourage people from all professions, cultures and ethnic and educational backgrounds to apply. Once you’ve been accepted into the program, you will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system and the special needs of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
You must be:
- At least 21 years old
- Able to speak, read and write English
- Willing to complete necessary background checks, take a polygraph test, provide references and participate in a one-on-one interview
- Able to complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training
- Available for court appearances, with advance notice
- Willing to commit to the CASA program until your case is closed
Continuity and trust are very important for these children, so we ask that you dedicate yourself to the case until it’s closed. That means about a year and a half on average.
What Sort of Support Will I Receive?
There are a variety of resources that will be available to support you during your CASA experience.
You can rest easy knowing that you will be supported every step of the way. As a CASA volunteer, you will have opportunities for continuing education and have access to online resources. These may be provided by the various CASA programs or by Voices for CASA Children. VOICES also provides a dedicated CASA Connect portal to CASA Volunteers in Maricopa County. CASA Connect supports registration for educational sessions, child enrichment opportunities and access to additional on-line resources.
We want you to feel comfortable in the courtroom and with your child. CASA of Maricopa County’s experienced staff, pre-service training program and continued support system are in place to ensure you always have an answer to your question and know the best way to handle every situation.
Additional Questions:
Do you have additional questions that were not answered above? Fill out this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
