Court Appointed Special Child Advocate

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is an everyday person (21 or older) who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court and ensure the child's voice is heard. Children helped by CASA volunteers include those for whom home placement is being determined in juvenile court. Most of the children are victims of abuse and neglect.

A CASA volunteer provides the judge with a carefully researched background of the child to help the Court make a sound decision about the child’s future. Each juvenile dependency case is as unique as the child involved. The CASA volunteer offers information to the court to aid in determining if it is in a child’s best interests to return home to his or her parents, to continue in foster care, or be freed for permanent adoption. The CASA volunteer makes a recommendation on placement to the judge, and follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved. CASA Volunteers work closely with children and all those in their life to gather information, make recommendations, and advocate for the best interest of the child.

CASA Volunteer training is facilitated via a hybrid format. Training is 30 cumulative hours over 5 weeks - 15 of those hours are completed independently online with the other 15 being "live" class sessions held over Zoom with CASA Program Staff. At the end of 30 hours, you will be Sworn In as a CASA Volunteer. Trainees will also have the opportunity to meet current CASA Volunteers, Judges, and also observe a court hearing.

For more information or to apply directly, check out our website too!