CASA volunteers undergo a thorough training and
development program that consists of at least 30 hours
of pre-service training, followed by 12 hours of yearly
in-service training. Volunteers learn about courtroom
procedure from the principals in the system – judges,
lawyers, social workers, court personnel and others.
CASA volunteers also learn effective advocacy techniques
for children, and are educated about specific topics
ranging from seminars on child sexual abuse to
discussions on early childhood development and
adolescent behavior.
After completion of the initial training, volunteers are
sworn in as Officers of the Court. This gives them the
legal authority to conduct research on the child's
situation and submit reports to the court.
Commitment: The vast majority of cases last one
to two years, and the amount of time spent on a case per
month typically ranges between 10-20 hours. Volunteers
must make case time a priority in order to provide
quality advocacy.
Objectivity: Volunteers research case records and
speak to everyone involved in a child's life, including
their family members, teacher, doctor, lawyer, social
worker and others. Their third-party evaluations are
based on facts, evidence and testimonies.
Communication skills: Once a volunteer has fully
evaluated a case, they prepare a written report
outlining their recommendation for the child's
placement. They must be able to speak with authority as
they present their rationale to the judge in court.
Background check:
Volunteer background checks, completed by the CASA
staff, include a criminal background check, child abuse
registry check, and driving record check.
