Make A Difference
Nearly 700,000 children experience abuse or neglect each year. Instead of playing with neighbors and making happy family memories, they’re attending court hearings, adjusting to new foster homes and transitioning to new schools. That’s a heavy burden for a child to carry. With a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer dedicated to their case, our community's most vulnerable children will have someone speaking up for their best interests. With your support, more children will have the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.
Donate
Your contribution can change a child's life forever. By donating to CASA of the 18th JDC, you're not just giving money; you're giving hope, support, and a brighter future to foster youth. Every dollar you contribute goes directly toward advocating for the best interests of these vulnerable children.
What is a CASA volunteer?
A CASA volunteer, or Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, is a dedicated and caring individual who plays a vital role in the lives of children involved in the foster care system. CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to serve as advocates for these children, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests are represented throughout their journey in the child welfare system. Once assigned to a case, CASA volunteers act as a watchdog for the child and become a stable presence in the child's life. The personal attention ensures that the case keeps moving toward a safe, permanent home for the child.
What does a CASA volunteer do?
Advocate for the Child
CASA volunteers are champions for the children they are assigned to. They take the time to get to know the child, their unique needs, and their circumstances.
Investigate and Gather Information
CASA volunteers conduct thorough research and gather information from various sources, such as social workers, attorneys, teachers, doctors, and family members, to make informed recommendations to the court.
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Ensure Appropriate Services
They work to ensure that the child receives the necessary services, educational support, and medical care they require.
Attend Court Hearings
CASA volunteers attend court hearings to provide objective reports and advocate for the child's safety, well-being, and permanency.​​
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Monitor Progress
CASA volunteers monitor the child's progress and advocate for changes or adjustments to the child's placement or services if needed. This also includes monitoring the child's case and the progress of the case.
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Provide Support
CASA volunteers offer support and a consistent presence in the child's life during a challenging and often confusing time.
CASA Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be a CASA volunteer?
Community members over the age of 21 who pass a background check and complete training are eligible to become a CASA volunteer.
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No, our volunteers come from all walks of life! You do not need to have prior experience in the legal or social services field to become a CASA volunteer.
How long is the training?
Pre-service training is 32 hours. After a volunteer has been sworn in by the court, they are required to complete 12 additional hours of training each year.
What is the time commitment?
Around 10 hours a month. This includes visiting the child, working with involved parties, researching the case history, and writing a court report.
What children are appointed?
CASA volunteers are typically appointed to children who are under the protection of the court as a result of abuse or neglect.
How many children will I be assigned?
A CASA volunteer's caseload is typically one child or one group of siblings. Each volunteer has a dedicated CASA Advocate Supervisor to support them.
How long does a volunteer stay involved?
We ask our volunteers to advocate. for at least 1 year. However a volunteer can continue until the case is permanently resolved.
What are the responsibilities?
Key responsibilities include: Advocate for the child in court, investigate and gather information, and monitor the case progress.
Will I have to go to court?
Yes, CASA volunteers will write court reports and attend court hearings to provide their report and advocate for the child's safety, well-being, and permanency.
Why is CASA important?
CASA volunteers are often the one consistent adult in a child's life during their time in foster care, offering stability, guidance, and advocacy when it matters most.
Change A Child's Story
Together, we can provide hope, stability, and brighter futures for children in our community. Become a CASA volunteer today and be the change a child needs. Are you ready to speak up for children in need? Fill out the volunteer application form below to take the next step. Our dedicated team will contact with you with additional information.