"Kids in the foster care system are some of the most vulnerable and neglected people in America. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) trains volunteer advocates to ensure that every child’s voice is heard. These children need help, and in your free time you can change a child’s life."
Making the decision to become a CASA volunteer is not easy; it means committing to a moral and legal obligation to many entities and making certain sacrifices that will affect your personal life. We hope some of the following facts will help you jump off that fence...
Does it help to know your decision to become a CASA volunteer means...
... your commitment to showing up each week (Even, if you do NOTHING else) will completely change the trajectory of a child's life!!!
... your youth will be 50% more likely to complete high school, ... ON TIME!!!!
... your youth will be 20% more likely to pass ALL of their courses.
... your youth’s likelihood of becoming a teen parent (Male or Female) will drop by 71%.
... the likelihood of them becoming homeless by 18 or 21 will drop by 80%.
... your youth’s likelihood of gaining an education beyond High School will increase by 50%
Like anyone else growing up in a home with someone who loves and cares about them, foster youth who have a CASA volunteer in their life are more likely to...
Receive needed services in a timely manner
Be enrolled in the appropriate educational setting
Participate in extracurricular activities
Have long-term connections to siblings, relatives, or other support people
Be on track to graduate high school on time
Enroll in post-secondary education
Be placed in a permanent home two months faster that children without a CASA volunteer
A CASA volunteer is the foundation of this resilience, a chance at a brighter future no matter the past.
Five key actions of a CASA volunteer
Advocate: Speak up for the best interest of a child
Support: Provide a stable and caring relationship
Investigate: Gather important information about situations in the life of the child
Report: Organize and present details to a judge and caregiver team
Recommend: Offer ideas for improvement in the best interest of the child
If we did a good job convincing you that you are ready to become a CASA Volunteer, let's make sure you are as ready as you think you are. Before you can start the process of becoming a CASA, you must;
be at least 21 years old,
have a valid Driver's License, with fewer than 3 points on your driver's record,
have access to an insured vehicle,
have no DUI's in the past 10 years,
NOT have history of domestic violence or crimes against children,
NOT have history with Child Protected Services against you or anyone in your household
Our application and training formats have changed a bit in order to continue to operate through the various COVID-19 restrictions. The two main change are:
To apply, you must use the link provided to complete and submit your initial application.
Training will take place in two parts; Part 1 is an online course that you may complete at your own pace. Part 2 is 5 in person classes of 3 hours each. Our Next In-Person Training Session begins Tuesday, March 9, 2021. (Training Calendar Provided Upon Inquiry Submission)
'New CASA Volunteer Application/Training process:
Complete and Submit the online application using the link provided upon inquiry to this opportunity. (You may also access the online application from our webpage: www.nochildabuse.org/casa)
In-Person Interview with CASA staff you will be contacted once we receive your application.
Complete the online portion of our 'New CASA Pre-Service Training Curriculum' (at your own pace)
Complete the In-Person portion of our ''New CASA Pre-Service Training Curriculum' (5 classes, 3hrs. ea.)
2nd interview w/CASA case manager
At the successful completion of the new CASA Volunteer Application/Training process, trainees will participate in a Commencement Ceremony at the Stockton Court House where each of them will be sworn-in as officers of the court. As officers of the court, CASA Volunteers are able to access important information and confidential medical, educational, criminal and legal documents pertaining to your youth and their dependency case.
Change A Child’s Story. Become A CASA Volunteer!!!
Please feel free to contact Andy Dominguez with any questions or concerns: adominguez@nochildabuse.org
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of San Joaquin County. The CASA Program endeavors to ensure that abused, neglected and abandoned children who have become dependents of the San Joaquin County Court will have a safe and permanent home.
Description
CASA - A Powerful Voice in a Child's Life
CASA of San Joaquin County is currently recruiting community volunteers to serve as "eyes and ears" for the Court and provide a "voice" for a child; at home, in school and in the court room. CASA of San Joaquin County provides the screening, training and on-going support necessary to be successful advocates for the neediest of children in our County. The CASA volunteer provides continuity by staying on the case until it is permanently resolved. Volunteers are expected to have contact with their CASA child every week, attend court hearings as needed, and provide written reports to the court. The written reports include all interviews, visits, and assessments taken by the CASA in regard to recommendations based on the child’s very best interest. If you, or someone you know is interested in becoming a CASA volunteer please contact Trinidad Olivas-Newcomb at (209) 644-5319
