The CASA volunteer plays an important role in the life of a child who lives in foster care. The CASA is the child’s voice in court, an unbiased voice for the child’s best interests. The CASA takes the time to learn and understand what each child needs. The CASA’s recommendations are a critical part of the Judge’s decision making process.   Volunteers perform four basic functions:   INVESTIGATOR: The CASA thoroughly and conscientiously investigates all of the relevant facts in the situation. Interviews all concerned persons including, the child, family members, SCF service workers, teachers, foster family, counselors, etc. Investigates available alternatives.   ADVOCATE: The CASA ensures that all of the relevant facts of the situation are presented to the Court. Recommends to the Court what appears to be in the childs best interest.

A child in the Multnomah County or Washington County court system needs your help! Here are a few facts that may be helpful.

 

A Court Appointed Special Advocate, also known as a CASA volunteer, is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of educational and ethnic backgrounds. It is not necessary for a CASA volunteer to be a lawyer or have a legal background.

 

A CASA volunteer provides a judge with carefully researched information about the child and the child’s life in order to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future. The CASA volunteer represents the best interest of the child in court. The CASA will obtain information about the child and her/his current situation by interviewing individuals in the child’s life such as: social workers, medical professionals, counselors, teachers, foster parents, and others. CASAs submit detailed written reports to the judge and attend the child’s court hearings. CASAs monitor the child’s case and ensure that court-ordered services are being provided to the child. A CASA volunteer “speaks up for the child” in court and is often the only consistent person in the child’s life.

 

Yes. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older. Volunteers will be carefully screened through criminal background checks, personal interviews, reference letters, and a written application. Volunteers should be responsible, trustworthy individuals who are able to make a commitment to the program. Program staff will provide you with information about: the application process and when to apply, the screening process, the CASA training program and preparation for this powerful and important role, community needs, and the time commitment you will need to make.

 

Yes. Once a CASA volunteer has been screened, they must successfully complete a 40-hour training course. This training course provides prospective volunteers with in-depth information about the child welfare system, the court system, CASA volunteer responsibilities, and other relevant topics.

 

New CASA volunteers typically take on a single case. Once they feel confident in their role as an advocate, more experienced CASAs will take on additional cases.

 

Each case is different. Once initiated into the system, volunteers work about 10—15 hours a month. More complicated cases may take longer.

 

Are there other volunteer opportunities other than taking on a case?

Yes. There are many other ways you can be a big help. If being a CASA volunteer advocate is not right for you, ask our staff about other volunteer opportunities.