Court Appointed Special Adovate (CASA)

Volunteer Your Time to Change a Child's Life. Nobody longs for a safe and loving family more than a child in foster care. As a CASA Volunteer Advocate, you are empowered by the courts to help make this dream a reality. You will be the one consistent adult in these children's lives, vigilantly fighting for and protecting their fundamental right to be treated with the dignity and respect every child deserves. You will not only bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children, but also their children and generations to come. And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.

Volunteers get to know the child by talking with everyone in that child's life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Consent to a background check with the Bureau of Criminal Identification and the Division of Child and Family Services
• Access to an insured vehicle
• Valid Drivers license and provide a copy annually
• Attend required CASA training
• Commit at least 1 year to CASA

Key Responsibilities:

• Visit child at least 2x a month
• Report via e-mail to the childs assigned Guardian ad Litem regarding visits
• Maintain confidentiality with the Office of Guardian ad Litem
• Provide hearing report prior to childs court date
• Periodically check with the child's school and teachers as to absence and grades and to report those findings to the Guardian ad Litem

Time Commitment:

There is a one year volunteer commitment. However, you do your visits with the child when it works for your schedule and the childs schedule.