Support LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care with the Youth Equality Project

Save to Favorites

Objective:
The Youth Equality Project (YEP) is a partnership of public and private agencies led by CASA and the Prince George's County Department of Social Services. YEP's mission is to provide support and services to foster youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or questioning.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/ Prince George's County, Inc. is a volunteer-based organization that partners with the juvenile court to improve the lives of abused and neglected children living in foster care. In about 12 hours per month, CASA volunteers spend time with a child in foster care and advocate for his or her proper care and placement in a safe, permanent home.

Through the Youth Equality Project, CASA seeks to make life better for LGBTQ youth in Prince George's County, Maryland. We at CASA specifically work to engage LGBT youth in the foster care system. We advocate on their behalf by becoming Court Appointed Special Advocates, connecting them with resources and hosting educational and social events to help them further develop life skills and establish and reach their career and personal goals.

Qualifications and Requirements:
● Must be at least 21 years of age or older
● Ability to pass background screening Criminal Background Check; Driving Record Check; Child Abuse Registry Check; Social Security Number verification; National Sex Offender Registry; Reference Checks (3)
● Ability to attend 37-hour pre-service training
● One year or one case commitment to the program
● Ability to commit 10-15 hours per month to case, including visiting the child at least twice per month and regular meetings with Case Supervisor
● Acceptance of a case assignment after completion of preservice training.

Time Commitment:
● Pre-service training:
- 37 hours in classroom
- 1 day of courtroom observation

• In-service training:
  - Flexible Schedule
  - 10 to 15 hrs/ month
  - 2 visits/ month with youth
  - Case Supervision 1x/every 6 weeks
  - Court Hearings 2x/year dependent on case
  - 12 hrs of continuing education/1 year

Application and Training:
● To apply, please visit http://pgcasa.org/volunteer-application/
● To be considered for the next training session, you must apply, attend an in-person interview, and be accepted into training.
● Training is held in the Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons.
● Email volunteer@pgcasa.org for more information or visit www.pgcasa.org.

How to apply: http://pgcasa.org/volunteer-application/

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
CASA volunteers ensure that the court and child welfare systems remain focused on the specific needs of individual youth, so that these needs, including the need for safety and permanency, are addressed expeditiously.

CASA volunteers serve as investigators, mentors, recorders, and ultimately advocates.

CASA volunteers visit their youth at least 2 times per month, and their case supervisors once every 6 to 8 weeks.

Benefits:
This is a unique chance to become invested in your community by spending time and advocating for LGBTQ youth. You could get involved by advocating for his or her best interests in court, as well as helping them to understand and know there is someone in their corner. You could help create and ensure better outcomes for the youth in need by being a part of his or her team. For more information, please visit our website at www.pgcasa.org or call 301-209-0491.

How to apply: http://pgcasa.org/volunteer-application/

Contact:
recruitment@pgcasa.org
Volunteer Coordinator
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/ Prince George’s County, Inc
6811 Kenilworth Ave, Suite 402
Riverdale MD, 20737
301-209-0491