Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Are you looking for an empowering and fulfilling volunteer experience? Becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is the right role for you!

The volunteer’s role is one of a Friend of the Court and that of impartial observer, conducting an investigation as the judge would if time permitted.  CASA volunteers investigate the circumstances of a child or children involved in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for reasons of abuse, neglect, custody, Child-in-Need-of-Services, or other issues to which the judge appoints a CASA volunteer. The CASA volunteer submits a written report to the court and may testify, if called as a witness.  In order to do this, the CASA must investigate the facts of the case, recommend a course of action to the court, facilitate the resolution of the problems and monitor progress toward court orders.

Role and Responsibilities:

• Complete 39+ hours of pre-service training sessions.
• Attend continuing education training sessions on an ongoing basis. (At least twelve in-service credits must be completed each fiscal year.)
• After pre-service training, serve at least one child until a permanent plan has been implemented, or for at least one year.
• Review relevant records.
• Maintain confidentiality within state regulations.
• Visit the child at least monthly; interview appropriate parties involved in the case, including the child.
• Determine whether a permanent plan has been created for the child in accordance with federal and state laws and whether appropriate services, including reasonable efforts, are being provided to the child and family;
• Keep the program staff Case Supervisor informed of all activities and confer with him/her periodically;
• Submit a signed written report with recommendations to the court on what placement, visitation plan, services, and permanent plan are in the best interest of the child;
• Attend court hearings and other case related meetings;
• Maintain complete records about the case, including appointments scheduled, interviews held, and information gathered about the child and the child’s life circumstances;
• Complete evaluations, submit hours, etc. which may be requested in order to monitor the entire CASA program; and
• Return all case records and notes to the CASA program when the case is closed or when the volunteer closes the case.

Alexandria/Arlington CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, must have the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to prepare court reports, to provide testimony, and agree to keep information confidential.

Alexandria/Arlington CASA volunteers must possess mature judgment, a high degree of responsibility and sufficient time to assist in advocating for the best interest of the child. Volunteers must be able to relate to persons of different cultures, ethnic backgrounds and different socio-economic status. Alexandria/Arlington CASA volunteers must be able to commit to at least one year of service. Volunteers must provide their own transportation.

Bilingual, male, and diverse volunteers are particularly needed in the program.

To learn more and register to attend a virtual volunteer information session click here.

For more information, questions or see a complete position description, contact casa@nvfs.org or ljameson@nvfs.org.