CASA volunteers have several roles:

• Researcher: CASAs hold comprehensive interviews with the child, family members, foster parents and professionals involved in the child’s life. They review records, documents and clinical data.

• Visitor: CASAs develop an informal one-on-one relationship with the child,

• Facilitator: CASAs facilitate communication between the court and any individual with the child to ensure that all parties fulfill their obligations to the child.

• Monitor: CASAs are responsible for monitoring all court orders to ensure compliance by all parties.

• Reporter: CASAs are responsible for providing the court with objective written reports and, on request, oral testimony in court.

How to become a CASA Volunteer?

• Engage in a comprehensive screening process including an in-depth personal interview, criminal background check and personal references.

• Participate in 32 hours of pre-service training in the juvenile court process, child advocacy, laws affecting abused and neglected children, foster care, dynamics of abuse and neglect, child development, diversity, poverty, interviewing and report writing.

• Receive individual supervision by professional staff and 12 hours/year of in-service training.

• Uphold client confidentiality.

• Maintain open and mutually beneficial relationships with the Department of Social Services, legal representatives, and community professionals.