What We Do
Volunteer CASAs help vulnerable children by working within a structured program that includes screening; intensive training; professional guidance; legal consultation and representation; technical report templates and forms; educational webinars and workshops; and community building events. Through this process, volunteer CASAs gather critical information about a child’s circumstances for the court so a judge or commissioner can order services, interventions and/or schedules tailored for the child’s safety and overall best interests.
With professional guidance and support, volunteer CASAs go to the children’s homes to learn about their needs and alleged risk factors. They interview family members, relatives and friends. They talk to teachers, counselors and other professionals that might have helpful information. They review mountains of records and documents. All of this information, along with the volunteer’s observations and recommendations for services and schedules is summarized in 1 or 2 comprehensive reports submitted to the court. A typical case requires 75-100 volunteer hours over 6-12 months. And all of this occurs as part of a litigated high-conflict custody case so the volunteer’s work must withstand legal scrutiny from multiple sources.
This is a tough volunteer endeavor. Volunteer CASAs are true child advocates, passionate about helping children through a life-impacting critical time in their young lives.
Did you know?
- Half of our kids are under the age of six
- Every CASA child is impacted by allegations of addiction, violence, mental illness and/or abuse or neglect
- CASA cases typically involve 3 or more identified, serious safety concerns
- There is no other program that will monitor or advocate for the safety and well-being of these kids
- Many CASA children and families have never been connected with community services and don’t know where to turn