How to Become a CASA Volunteer

Class Training - 30 hours

CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens of the community. They work alongside attorneys and social workers as appointed officers of the court. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and a high school graduate. Volunteers are screened closely for objectivity, competence, and commitment.

CASA volunteers undergo a thorough training course conducted by the local CASA program. They learn courtroom procedure from principals in the system - judges, lawyers, social workers, court personnel, and others. CASA volunteers also learn effective advocacy techniques for children, and are educated on specific topics ranging from seminars on child sexual abuse to discussions on early childhood development and adolescent behavior. The initial training is about 40 hours long. Each year the volunteer completes another 12 hours of continuing education.

As a child advocate, a CASA volunteer has three main responsibilities:

• Serve as a fact-finder for the court by completely researching the background of the abuse and neglect cases.

• Speak for the child in the courtroom, focusing exclusively on the child's best interest.

• Continue to monitor the child during the life of the case, helping to insure he or she is raised in a safe, permanent and nurturing home.

What do I do to become a CASA volunteer?

• Call one of our offices and talk to a member of our staff.

• Complete an application.

• Schedule a pre-training interview.

• Attend and complete training sessions.

• Attend the swear in by the Juvenile Judge.

• Receive assignment of first case.

   

  Contact Information: CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties. Seneca Office 419-448-1442                casa@senecacounty.com Sandusky Office 419-355-1442 casa4kids@att.net Wyandot Office 419-209-1442 casawyan@att.net