CASA FAQs

You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be a volunteer; many of our volunteers work full-time, part-time, are retired, or are students. No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We welcome people from all walks of life. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained, will be part of a treatment team, and will be well supported by professional staff to help you through each case.

We currently have a high need for diverse, bilingual, and male volunteers.

While being a CASA is a very rewarding volunteer experience, becoming a CASA is a serious responsibility and requires that all CASAs make a minimum commitment of at least a year to the case. CASA volunteer’s average service is 10-15 hours per month. Volunteers sometimes say there is a greater amount of work at the beginning of the case when they are conducting their initial research. The CASA program is required to see the child at least one time per month.

CASA volunteers are asked to stay in regular communication with their assigned CASA staff member, providing regular case updates and submitting a draft report according to deadlines set by the CASA supervisor to ensure timely submission of your report to the Court. To be a CASA, you must pass a background check, participate in a 39-hour pre-service training course and agree to stay with a case until it is closed (a year and a half on average).

• CASA volunteers are provided with over 39 hours of training before you take your first case!
• CASA pre-service trainings are held in the Fall and Spring of each year and occur on Monday and Thursday evenings typically for 6 weeks.
• An assigned CASA staff member will support you along the way, by helping you problem solve, identify services, prepare/edit your reports prior to filing them with the Court
• Ongoing support from other CASA staff and fellow CASA volunteers
• Ongoing monthly in-service training opportunities

No. CASAs do not provide direct services to the child, such as supervising visitation or transporting the child.

• CASAs are unpaid volunteers and the GAL is an attorney representing the legal interests of the child.
• CASAs are not a party to the case and cannot bring a child’s case back before the Judge.
• The CASA’s role is one of a “Friend of the Court” and an impartial observer, conducting an investigation as the Judge would if time permitted.