Do You Have A Desire To Help Youth In Foster Care?
Volunteer To Become A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Be a voice for the best interests of children in foster care. Make a lasting impact and change a child’s life.
No previous experience is required to be a CASA volunteer. We provide all the training necessary and ongoing support.
Attend an Information Session to learn more or apply to become a CASA volunteer today.
Click on the option that best describes your current situation?
I want to help foster children. I don't know what a CASA is.
Thank you for your interest. Click the button below to learn what a CASA volunteer is and what they do to help children in foster care:
We also provide an Information Session that describes the CASA program in much more detail than what is provided on this page. Sign up today to attend the next available Information Session.
I have an idea of what a CASA is. I need to learn more.
There is more information below about the CASA program. Yet, one of the best ways to learn more is to attend our Information Session.
I know exactly what a CASA is and/or I've attended the Information Session. I'm ready to apply now.
That’s wonderful news! Thank you for taking the next step to positively impact the life of a child in foster care.
I've been invited to the Information Session before, but I don't know when I can attend
Information Sessions are presented live online or in-person. There are two or three per month and they are scheduled out two months in advance.
If you cannot attend an Information Session in the next two months and you’re not sure when you can attend, then sign up to receive notifications of future events.
I eventually want to become a CASA but I'm not sure when.
What is a CASA?
A CASA is a Court Appointed Special Advocate. When you become a CASA, you can change the life of a child who has experienced abuse or neglect.
Court Appointed Special Advocates take the time to get to know a foster child by listening to him or her and talking with important figures in that child’s life, including: relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They then use the information gathered to make informed recommendations regarding what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for him or her.
By serving as a CASA volunteer, you can make sure that a child receives the services needed to thrive physically, academically, and even socially. You’ll continue to advocate for the child until the case is closed or the child is permanently placed with a safe and caring family.
For the child, your advocacy can make a difference between dropping out and completing school, unemployment and being self-sufficient, and for some children, the difference between incarceration and life as a productive member of our community. Your advocacy will provide care, compassion, consistency and guidance through the child’s journey through foster care.
Be a Voice for Youth In Foster Care. Become A CASA Volunteer.
Your Life as a CASA Volunteer
The CASA of Maricopa County Program, in conjunction with Voices for CASA Children, offers a volunteer opportunity like no other. Together, we promote and support quality volunteer advocates like you to speak for the best interests of children in foster care, including those who have experienced abuse and neglect. Our pre-service training program will give you all the tools you need to effectively represent your child in the courtroom and in the community.
There are currently about 8,000 foster children in Maricopa County’s foster care system. Your commitment will help fill this need and provide advocacy for the many children waiting for that one caring adult.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly does a CASA volunteer do?
- 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 and his or her family are receiving appropriate services. Advocate for those that are not immediately available. Bring concerns about the child’s health, education 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.
How much time does it take to be a CASA?
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.
Who can be A CASA volunteer?
What qualifications do I need to Be a CASA?
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 neglected children.
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 first 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?
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.
