This is not easy work, but it may be some of the most important work you’ll do. Learn what it takes to be a CASA of Maricopa County volunteer.
Ask yourself the following questions to decide whether becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is the right path for you, as well as how to choose an organization to volunteer for.
Start with the following questions:
Do I have a desire to make a difference in my community?
Children’s safety and well-being is essential to the health of a community. As a CASA volunteer, you’ll make your community stronger by helping to ensure a child is safe and cared for. CASA volunteers even help make sure a child stays in school and out of jail. Plus, helping to reverse the impact of childhood trauma can have long-range benefits that we may not even be able to fully comprehend.
Am I a good listener?
CASA volunteers listen to a child as well others in that child’s life such as relatives, parents, foster parents, teachers and more. The information you’ll gather through listening will help you make informed recommendations about what is best for the child.
Do I have passion for helping children and the ability to nurture or mentor?
Research tells us that the damage of childhood trauma can be reversed, and having a positive supportive relationship with an adult is a major factor in that healing work. CASA volunteers are advocates in court, yes, but they are also mentors and nurturing influences in a child’s life.
As a CASA of Maricopa County volunteer, you can have a tremendous impact in your local community. For one, you can increase a child’s likelihood of finding a safe permanent home and being adopted. You’ll be able to make sure they get the resources and services they need to thrive academically, mentally and socially. Plus, you’ll be a consistent adult presence, which is invaluable.
How much time can I commit?
Once your initial training is complete, working a case requires an average of about 15 to 20 hours per month. It can take up to a year and a half for a case to be resolved. Because of what these children have been through, continuity and trust are paramount. So, once you commit to a case, you are asked to stay until the case is resolved, which typically takes about a year and a half.
Do I have the appropriate professional background?
CASA of Maricopa County volunteers have a wide variety of backgrounds and careers. No prior legal training or other education is required. In fact, we want people of all professions — as well as all cultures, ethnicities and educational backgrounds — to apply to become CASA volunteers.
What kind of support do I need?
As you explore organizations to volunteer for, you’ll want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed. CASA volunteers receive upfront training of about 30 hours, plus additional continuing education opportunities from the national and state CASA associations. Plus, CASA of Maricopa County has a continued support system in place to make sure you are supported and always feel confident you’re able to handle every situation in the best way possible.
Get Started Today!
Fill out the online Volunteer Certification Application to get started on your path to transforming a child’s life.
