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.
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