Court Appointed Special Advocate

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 OBJECTIVE: To recruit citizens from the surrounding area to advocate for children who come to the attention of the Court primarily as a result of abuse or neglect.

 QUALIFICATIONS: Volunteers shall be at least twenty one (21) years of age and shall successfully complete screening requirements which include a written application, personal interview, reference checks, and a criminal background investigation.

TRAINING: A CASA volunteer must complete a minimum of thirty (35) hours of initial training which includes policies and procedures of the CASA Program of Focus On Youth, Department of Social Services, and Juvenile Court; dynamics of human behavior associated with child abuse and neglect; relevant local, state and federal laws; permanency planning and family preservation; cultural diversity, communication and interviewing skills; and the roles and responsibilities of the CASA volunteer. As a part of the required training, a CASA volunteer also observes a court proceeding and a foster care review board meeting when approved. A CASA volunteer will also complete a minimum of twelve hours of in-service training each year following their first year of service.

 TIME COMMITMENT: Once assigned to a case, a CASA volunteer makes a commitment to the case for at least one year and preferably until a permanent placement is found for the child(ren).