Speak up for a Foster Youth, Become their Champion, Become their C.A.S.A.
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (C.A.S.A.), become a foster youth's Champion. Devote your time to help transform a life of hurt into a life of hope.
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Please provide us with your contact information.
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Step 2: Apply
Complete the electronic C.A.S.A. volunteer application.
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Step 3: Pre-training Interview
Once you have attended an information session and we have received your application, you will be scheduled for an interview. A C.A.S.A. staff member will conduct the interview and determine eligibility. If it is a mutual fit, you will be invited to participate in a virtual training cohort.
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Participate in our 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.
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Step 5: Completing your Background Clearance
You will be asked to connect with your references to ensure a timely response. You will also be asked to complete security clearances, including criminal and driving record checks. If you are not able to pay for the live scan, C.A.S.A. provides scholarships.
Clearances include:
•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. There, you will meet the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge and take your oath as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. After you have taken your oath you will have the opportunity to complete your court observations virtually.
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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.
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Step 8: Advocate
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
