WHY BECOME A CASA? 

Children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect and are placed in foster care need YOU to advocate for their safety and well-being, as well as ensure their voices are heard in court.

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Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteers are trained community members appointed by a judge to ensure a child's voice is heard in court and throughout their stay in the foster care system. Children remain in foster care until they can safely return home or a safe, appropriate permanent placement can be found.

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A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is an official part of judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and caseworkers to name a few. By handling only one or two cases at a time the CASA Volunteer can thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case. The volunteer talks with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors, and others involved in the child’s background who might have facts about the case. CASA volunteers review all court documents as well as any other pertinent information about the child and case. Volunteers also submit formal reports to the Judge at every scheduled court hearing with the support of their Volunteer Supervisor. CASA Volunteers prove to be invaluable resources for not only the children associated with the case but also the legal parties and caseworkers.

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VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Although it can vary from program to program, being a CASA Volunteer in Johnson County means making a time commitment to the child or sibling set each month for a period of no less than 12 months. The pre-service training requires a commitment of 30 hours plus time to observe in court. Screening includes an in-person interview, a completed application, verified references, a criminal background check, a Motor Vehicle, and a Child Protective Services (CPS) background check. 

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CASA Volunteer Advocates are trained community members who are appointed by a judge to advocate, on a one-to-one basis, for a child who has been removed from their home due to abuse, and/or neglect. As a trained volunteer you will get to know the child so that you can communicate to the judge and other legal parties to the case the child’s perspective and the child’s needs as they remain in foster care. 

 

Training/Support Plan:

• CASA volunteers are required to attend approximately 30 hours of pre-service training then 12 hours of in-service training annually.

• CASA volunteers follow guidelines established by the National and State CASA Associations.

• CASA volunteers have access to additional training opportunities offered by other agencies.

• CASA volunteers receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.

• CASA volunteers are encouraged to communicate with their volunteer supervisor at any time with questions/concerns.

 

Time Commitment:

• Volunteers are required to make a 12-month commitment to the program.

• Volunteers are required to attend all court hearings on their case(s) – approximately 3 per year.

• Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases immediately upon completion of pre-service training.

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Pre-Service & TRAINING Requirements

• In-person interview

• Application

• 3 completed reference checks

• Criminal history check, motor vehicle & CPS check

• 30 hours of training

• Court observations

 

Training Topics

• Advocacy and the Law

• Trauma Awareness

• Court Process/Monthly and Court Reports

• Sexual Abuse and the Developing Child

• Learning/Behavior Disorders

• Substance Abuse

• The Advocates Role 

• Cultural Awareness

• The Role of the Attorney

• Mock Case Assignment

• Roles of the Professionals

• Roles of the Legal Team

 

Volunteers who complete the required pre-service training are then sworn in as and Officer of the Court and as a CASA Volunteer Advocate. Training consists of in-person and independent online study with course work provided. Computer proficiency is required. Please email our office Here or call 817-558-6995 for training dates/times.