Why are CASA volunteers
needed?
Each year in
the United States nearly 400,000 children are abused, neglected, or
abandoned by their families and end up playing a role in a real-life
courtroom drama. Many of these children also become victims of an
over-burdened court system which frequently does not have time to give
detailed attention to each child who comes before it.
What do CASA volunteers do?
CASAs work for
the Judge as appointed officers of the court, alongside attorneys and
social workers. When a CASA volunteer is appointed to a child's
case, he or she is responsible for taking the time to find out as much
as possible about that child. CASA volunteers search for information.
They review records, interview parents, talk to teachers, neighbors
and, most importantly, the child. These volunteers then submit a
report to the court to recommend to the judge what's best for a
child's future.
How
important are CASA volunteers?
Perhaps the
CASA volunteers' most important contribution is their regular and
close contact with the child. They become a much-needed support for
the child, who may be living in an out-of-home placement, and who is
overwhelmed by the complexities of the child welfare system. A CASA
monitors a child's case until a permanent plan for the child's
placement is approved by the court.
Who can become a
CASA volunteer?
Potential CASA
volunteers are mature and responsible. They can talk to people who are
having problems. They have time to commit to the program. They care
about children. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They have
a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. No
special experience is required. Volunteers are selected on the basis
of their objectivity, competence, and commitment.
What type of
training is required?
Once accepted,
volunteers are trained in a series of sessions about such subjects as
courtroom procedure, the social service and juvenile court systems,
and the special needs of children who have been abused and neglected.
Pre-service training is a minimum of 30 hours. New volunteers have the option to be matched with
an experienced volunteer who mentors them during the first three months of
their case.
How much time
does it take?
After initial
training, the average involvement by a CASA volunteer is 10 to 15
hours a month. Volunteers are also expected to fulfill 12 hours per
year of ongoing training, which
includes group/individual supervision with the Advocate Manager.
Volunteers are asked to make an 18 month
commitment to the program.
Who do I
contact to get involved?
Email us: mtncasa@colorado.net
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