Frequently Asked Questions
- What does CASA stand for?
- Who volunteers for CASA ?
- Is this a Big Brother/Big Sister program?
- Do I have to have special training to become a volunteer?
- Will I be left on my own after I am assigned to a case?
- Why is a CASA so important to a child?
- How much time is required of a CASA volunteer?
- Is there a concern for my personal safety?
- What if I can't attend the court hearing or have a scheduled vacation planned?
- Does the judge listen to a CASA's recommendations?
What does CASA stand for?
Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as appointed members of the court.
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Who volunteers for CASA?
People just like you. Full or part-time professionals, semi-retired or retired educators, stay-at-home parents and college-age students. A typical CASA volunteer: passionately cares about the health and welfare of children; appreciates a high quality of life in their community; believes that abuse has no place in the home understands that children who witness or experience abuse are forever affected. Return to top ^
Is this a Big Brother/Big Sister program?
No. Your role as a CASA volunteer is to conduct an independent investigation by reviewing documents and records pertinent to the case and interviewing the child, parents, social workers, foster parents, teachers, therapists and other persons involved with this child to determine the facts and circumstances of the child's situation. Ultimately you are making recommendations to the court as to the safest place for this child to reside. Return to top ^
Do I have to have special training to become a volunteer?
CASA volunteers are ordinary people who do extraordinary things. You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be a volunteer. We're simply looking for people with a desire to help abused children. You will receive 40 hours of training over a 10-week time period from professionals in the legal and social services fields so that you can make decisions and recommendations for these children. Return to top ^
Will I be left on my own after I am assigned to a case?
No. Each and every CASA volunteer is assigned a supervisor who will assist you throughout the process. You will always have someone to talk with about your case. Return to top ^
Why is a CASA so important to a child?
In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time, and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant presence throughout the case that children need in order to thrive. Return to top ^
How much time is required of a CASA volunteer?
Each case lasts, on average, two years and requires approximately 10 volunteer hours each month. For the child's sake, we require you to commit to the case as long as your assigned child remains a ward of the court.
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Is there a concern for my personal safety?
No. CASA provides a training class on safety during your 40 hours of training. In addition, you may ask your supervisor to attend any and all visits with you at the home of the parents and foster parents. You may also schedule your visits with the parents or children in the presence of the DHS worker.
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What if I can't attend the court hearing or have a scheduled vacation planned?
Your supervisor is aware at all times of what is happening throughout your case and will step in for you at any given time. Return to top ^
Does the judge listen to a CASA's recommendations?
Yes! Judges rely heavily on the testimony of the CASA volunteer to make an informed decision on the child's future. The judge is aware that CASA volunteers are typically assigned to just one child or family of children and is a constant presence in that child's life. Return to top ^
