What is a CASA Volunteer?
A Court Appointed Special
Advocate (CASA) is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court.
Children helped by CASA volunteers include those who have been removed from their home because of abuse or neglect.
What is the CASA volunteer's role?
A CASA volunteer provides
a judge with carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child's future.
Each case is as unique as the child involved. The CASA volunteer recommends if it is in the child's best interest
to remain in foster care, be returned to his or her parent/guardian, or be freed for adoption. The CASA volunteer follows
through on the case until it is permanently resolved.
Why does a child need
a CASA Volunteer?
The court is charged with making many decisions that profoundly
affect the life of a child in out-of-home placement. That child needs an objective adult whose sole purpose in the matter
is to advocate for the best interest of the child by speaking up for them in the courtroom. These children go through many
changes – with chaos and instability becoming all too familiar. A CASA volunteer provides stability by becoming a dependable,
trusted adult who won’t go away and who offers them hope. What is required
to be a CASA Volunteer?
CASA volunteers are ordinary men and women from all walks
of life, of all ages, and of various ethnic, vocational and educational backgrounds. No special skills are required –
only the dedication and desire to make a difference in a child’s life. Volunteers are screened carefully for competence,
commitment, and criminal background. How much time does it require to be a CASA
Volunteer?
Each case is different in the number of hours required per month.
A CASA volunteer usually spends about 5 hours a week doing research and conducting interviews in the beginning of the case.
After the initial period, volunteers spend anywhere from 10-20 hours a month, depending on the circumstances, working on their
case. We ask each volunteer to commit to a case for a minimum of one year. What
training does a CASA Volunteer receive?
CASA
volunteers are required to attended a 30-hour mandatory training class. Volunteers will learn about the child welfare
system, how to work with children involved in the system and other necessary skills to adequately advocate for the assigned
child. Additionally, every volunteer is required to attend 12 hours of in-service training per year.
How many cases does a CASA Volunteer work on at a time?
A CASA Volunteer works with one child or sibling group (a case) at a time. How
are CASA programs funded?
CASA of Ocean County is a
private non-profit agency that receives funding through a variety of sources including grants, private foundations, and fundraising
activities by the Board of Trustees and community members.
CASA programs rely heavily on the generous support
of businesses, organizations and individuals in the local community. How can
I Donate to CASA?
There are many way you can donate here. How can I get more information about CASA of Ocean County,
Inc.?
We would be happy to talk with you or forward any information you may need.
Please contact us here. Feel free to call (732)-270-6803 to speak with our Executive Director
Tricia Passuth.
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