Volunteer Program 

CASA volunteers undergo a thorough 30-hour training course. 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 you complete the initial training, you’ll be sworn in as an Officer of the Court. This gives you the legal authority to conduct research on the child’s situation and submit reports to the court.

A CASA volunteer supervisor or program director is always available to discuss your case, help you solve problems, and make sure you get any legal support you need. CASA for Children of DC also matches experienced volunteers with new volunteers to mentor them through the experience.

When you receive a case, you take responsibility for a child’s future. Some cases are settled in less than a year, but some last longer. The amount of time you spend on a case will vary depending on the stage of the proceedings. Your role as a CASA volunteer is to represent the best interests of the child. You must be able to talk to everyone involved in a case and remain objective in your recommendations.

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.

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Click Here to Request More Information About Volunteering!