Volunteer Program 

CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training curriculum before being sworn in as "officers of the court" and assignment to a case.  In training, volunteers learn about courtroom procedures from judges, lawyers, social workers, court personnel, and others.  They also learn about effective advocacy techniques for children and specific topics ranging from child sexual abuse to early childhood development and adolescent behavior.  The majority of a CASA volunteer's assignments are home placement cases where an abused and neglected foster child has been removed for protection from his or her parents.

After completing training, CASAs are sworn in as "officers of the court," giving them the legal authority to investigate in a child's case and make recommendations to the child's Family Court judge.

All CASA volunteers are supervised by CASA DC program staff, who are always available to discuss cases, assist in court report writing, and provide legal support.

Volunteer Job Description

Requirements: 

• Minimum age of 21 years.
• Attend new volunteer training – 30 hours.
• Interview with CASA Supervisor and/or Director.
• Consent to a criminal and reference background check.
• One year commitment.
• 10 to 15 hours a month working on a case.
• Attend 12 hours of in-service training per year.
• Take oath of confidentiality.

Duties:

• Upon assignment of a case, speak with all parties involved to determine the facts.
• Investigate alternatives available for the child, such as placement and services, etc.
• Submit written reports to the court for each court hearing.
• Appear at court hearings to make recommendations to the Court.
• Continue contacts with child, family, social workers and others to monitor court orders.
• Bring significant changes in the family situation to the Court’s attention.
• Continue follow-up contacts, submit additional reports and make new recommendations as needed, until a final disposition is made.
• Maintain monthly contact logs with supervisor.
• Visit the child at least twice a month.

Click Here to Request More Information About Volunteering!