HOW TO GET INVOLVED
We welcome people from all walks of life. We are simply looking for people who care about children and have common sense. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through each case.
Being a CASA volunteer does not require any special education or background, simply the desire to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes.
What does it take to become a CASA volunteer?
Step 1: Each candidate must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check and participate in a 40-hour training course.
Step 2: After completing the training, the volunteer is assigned his first case. A volunteer’s average time commitment to a case is approximately 4-8 hours per month.
Step 3: Maintain monthly visit with your child(ren) and give written reports prior to court hearings.
Volunteer advocates have support and supervision every step of the way and always have resources available.
SERVICEHEART
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Volunteer Job Description
Position Title: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
Organization: Serviceheart CASA
Reports To: Executive Director / Volunteer Coordinator
Position Summary:
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a Children’s Court Judge to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers gather critical information, monitor case progress, and provide thoughtful, informed recommendations to the court. Through their advocacy, they help ensure each child is placed in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment where their individual needs are met and their overall well-being and potential can be fully supported.
Key Responsibilities:
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Advocacy: Serve as an independent voice for the child’s best interests in court and other settings.
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Information Gathering: Review records, interview relevant parties (family members, caregivers, teachers, caseworkers, etc.), and observe the child’s environment.
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Court Reporting: Prepare and submit written court reports with recommendations based on gathered information.
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Regular Contact: Maintain consistent, meaningful contact with the child and resource parents monthly.
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Collaboration: Work with case professionals including social workers, attorneys, educators, and service providers.
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Documentation: Keep accurate, timely records of contacts, observations, and case developments, and document using program software.
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Monitoring: Track the child’s progress and ensure services are being provided as ordered by the court.
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Role-Modeling: Be a positive role model for the child/children while teaching him/her self-confidence, trust, and other developmental behaviors.
Qualifications:
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Must be at least 21 years of age
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Pass required background checks during the screening process.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
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Ability to remain objective and child-focused
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Commitment to cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds
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Willingness to complete required training and ongoing education
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Make at least a 1-year commitment.
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Establish a relationship with children to better understand their needs.
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Ability to use word processing software and email
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Willingness to stay in contact with program staff and receive supervision
Training Requirements:
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Complete 30 hours of self-paced, pre-service training provided by Serviceheart CASA online via Google Classroom.
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Participate in 12 hours of ongoing in-service/continuing education training provided by Serviceheart CASA and additional resources annually.
Time Commitment:
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Initial Self-Paced, In-Service Training: 30 hours
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Ongoing Contact/Documentation Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per month
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Court Hearing Commitment: Approximately 1 hour every 3 months
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Minimum Program Commitment: 1 year or until case closure
Benefits of Volunteering:
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Make a meaningful difference in the life of a child who is a victim of abuse and/or neglect.
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Gain knowledge of the child welfare and court systems.
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Develop advocacy, communication, and leadership skills.
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Be part of a supportive and mission-driven team.
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Experience personal growth and a deeper sense of purpose.
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Flexible scheduling that can fit around work and personal commitments
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Join a network of passionate volunteers dedicated to making a difference.
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Enhance your resume with meaningful, service-oriented experience.
Physical & Emotional Demands:
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Ability to attend virtual court hearings and meetings
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Ability to handle emotionally sensitive and sometimes challenging situations
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Travel within the service area may be required
Advocates Are Prohibited From:
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Talking about a CASA child, their family, or any court proceedings with persons not involved with the case, such as family members, friends, co-workers, etc.
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Taking a CASA child to the volunteer’s home; we do not transport any children
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Introducing their CASA child to their families and other persons in their personal life
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Working with a child with whom they are either related or have a prior relationship with
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Giving legal advice or therapeutic counseling
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Giving money or expensive gifts to the child or family
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Making any placement arrangements on the CASA child’s behalf
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Being employed in a position and/or with another agency/organization that might result in a conflict of interest
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Any other activities prohibited by the local Children’s Court
Statement of Commitment:
CASA volunteers are expected to uphold the mission and values of Serviceheart CASA, remain in contact with Serviceheart CASA, maintain strict confidentiality, and always act in the best interests of the child they are appointed to serve.
