Within the imagination of a child, there are some things that have no place at all. Things like abuse, neglect and despair. Every day, more than one thousand children are removed from their homes. These are victims who now belong to no one. They sit, silently waiting for the courts to decide their futures. They need your voice. Volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and change one life at a time.
What is a CASA volunteer?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court.
Can anyone be a CASA Volunteer?
CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens. No special or legal background is required. Volunteers are screened closely for objectivity, competence and commitment.
What training does a CASA Volunteer receive?
CASA volunteers undergo a thorough training course conducted by the local CASA program. Training requirements vary from program to program, but an average course is approximately 30 hours. Volunteers learn about courtroom procedure from the principals in the system-from judges, lawyers, social workers, court personnel, and others. CASA volunteers also learn effective advocacy techniques for children, and are educated about specific topics ranging from seminars on child sexual abuse to discussions on early childhood development and adolescent behavior. |