Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Champion for a Kid Like Me.

A Member of the National CASA/GAL Association

Step-by-step process to help change a life of a youth in Foster Care.

Step 1: Attend a virtual Information Session: Click and watch our pre-recorded info session and complete the questionnaire. Once submitted, you will receive the CASA volunteer application through an email within 48 hours.

Step 2: Apply: Complete and submit the electronic CASA Volunteer application.

Step 3: A CASA staff member will schedule your Pre-training interview to determine eligibility. If it is a mutual fit, you will be invited to participate in an upcoming virtual training cohort.

Step 4: Participate in our hybrid/virtual CASA University & Zoom Training.  Interested volunteers will need access to a device with a camera (tablet, PC, laptop) with an internet connection to access all training materials.  Training includes self-paced modules on CASA University and in person and live Zoom webinars. Volunteers will create their own account on CASA University and will receive all links to zoom webinars.

Step 5: Completing your Background Clearance

• An FBI/DOJ/CACI and National Sex Offender Registry background check form (provided during training).
• Social Security number check (provided during training)
• A DMV printout (last 10 years).
• A copy of a valid driver’s license and car insurance.
• Three positive references.

Step 6: Swear-in: Once you have completed training and cleared all background checks, you will be invited to participate in a virtual swearing-in ceremony. 

Step 7: Meet Your Advocate Supervisor:  You will be matched with a C.A.S.A. staff member, your Advocate Supervisor who will provide you with professional support along your journey. They will provide you with guidance, resources, information, and support to help you be the best advocate for your youth.

Step 8: Advocate: CASA will match all volunteers with a youth from our waitlist based on the information gathered from the youth and the volunteer to make the best match possible. Volunteers will commit to:

• Serving for a minimum of 18 months of service to their appointed youth
• Scheduling an in-person visit with their youth at least once a month
• Having weekly contact with their youth: contact can include phone calls, emails, text messages, letters, Zoom, etc. 
• Monthly contacts with all professionals involved in the case (caregivers, social workers, probation officers, attorneys, and school teachers and administrators).
• Weekly contact with your Advocate Supervisor regarding any updates, questions, and or concerns.  
• Coordinate effective and fun activities to engage your youth
• Complete and submit regular tracking of activities on monthly time logs 
• Be available to attend court two times per year (dependent on the current Courthouse rules)
• Write two court reports and recommendations per year in collaboration with your Advocate Supervisor
• Complete 12 hours of continuing education training annually

Click on the button below to watch our pre-recorded information sessions to learn more about becoming a C.A.S.A. Volunteer.

Tax ID: 33-0362613; Child Advocates of San Bernardino County