Application and Selection Process:

For the protection of our volunteers and the children they work with, this is a thorough, in-depth process. To be selected, the applicant will:

• Complete an Application Form

• Provide a copy of current driver's license, automobile insurance and DMV print-out

• Provide three letters of references

• Successfully complete a personal interview

• Pass FBI Livescan Fingerprint and Megan's Law Sex Offender Data Base screening

Please print out the application, fill it out and mail it to us. After receiving your completed package, we will call you to schedule an interview to determine whether you will be accepted for CASA initial training.

Initial Training Process

After acceptance into the CASA program, the child advocate completes mandatory classroom training of at least 30 hours. The training is taught by CASA staff and professionals, and topics covered include court process, understanding families, educational advocacy and much more. Mandatory training includes a Court visit.   

Case Assignment

When all the mandatory initial training is completed, the new CASA volunteer meets with the Case Management Director. Together they find a match and the CASA volunteer receives his/her first case assignment. After reviewing the case information and court reports, the volunteer consults with clinical and program staff to develop a case plan. Prior to each court hearing, the volunteer prepares a court report containing their own evaluations and recommendations for the child. 

Ongoing Education/In-service Training

CASA volunteers are encouraged to keep abreast of the latest information regarding child abuse and litigation and are required to complete a minimum of twelve (12) hours per  year of continuing education. This can be accomplished by reading relevant books and/or magazines and attending in-service workshops and seminars offered from time to time by CASA and other organizations.

The CASA Advocate Resource Center has a library available for use and reference. All books are available for checkout by CASA volunteers. We recommend the following book for the newcomer to learn more about Child Abuse and the Juvenile Dependency System.

• I Speak for This Child, by Gay Courter