Court Appointed Special Advocate (“CASA”) volunteers are appointed by Dependency Court judges to investigate the circumstances of children who have been removed from their homes due to severe abuse or neglect and placed in protective custody (the foster care system). CASAs report their findings and make recommendations to the Court to assist judges in making more informed decisions about the children who appear before them.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Anyone over the age of 21 who is committed to helping children may apply to become a CASA volunteer. No special educational background is required, but volunteers must have good communication skills, common sense, and good problem solving skills. CASA volunteers need to have access to a car, have a valid California Driver’s License, and be able to show proof of state-required automobile liability coverage. Volunteers must also be fingerprinted and undergo a thorough background check. CASA volunteers also need to be fluent in English (bilingual volunteers are especially needed) and have a flexible schedule during business hours to attend court hearings. There are a few restrictions to becoming a CASA volunteer. A CASA cannot be:

• A current foster parent;
• An employee of a group home or residential treatment center for foster children;
• In the process of adopting a child through the dependency system;
• Involved in a dependency court matter.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete the 36-hour CASA Training Program.
• Commit, on average, 5-6 hours per week to case activities on behalf of a child.
• Maintain regular contact with the child (visit at least once a month).
• Gather information about a child's circumstances, evaluate the facts of the case independently, and provide recommendations to the court by means of written reports.
• Communicate sensitively and objectively with children, social workers, foster care providers, therapists, teachers, attorneys, parents or other family members who may be involved with a case.
• Maintain and submit monthly documentation of time spent and contacts made on a case.
• Attend court hearings.
• Complete 12 hours of continuing education each year. CASA of Los Angeles provides many educational opportunities including monthly inservice trainings.
• Fulfill a two-year commitment to the CASA Program.