Change a Child's Story
VOLUNTEER
Hope needs a helping hand.
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained community member who is appointed by the juvenile judge to represent the best interest of a child in foster care. The CASA volunteer spends time with the child on a monthly basis getting to know the child while also gathering information from the child’s family, teachers, foster parents, caregivers, and others involved in the child’s life. You do not need to be an attorney or social worker to become a CASA volunteer. Voices for Children provides a training focused on developing a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and understanding to help CASAs become a successful child advocate. There is also continuing education to help CASA volunteers support the child(ren) in their case.
You can change the life of a child in the foster care system. Become a CASA volunteer today.
What exactly do CASA volunteers do?
CASA volunteers are appointed by the juvenile judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings. The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer are to:
- Advocate for the Child: Build a relationship with the child, visit the child every 30 days, and know the child's needs and wants.
- Gather Information: Review documents and records, speak with the children, family members, case workers, teachers, and other professionals in the child's live.
- Document Findings: Provide written reports to the courts to present as evidence.
- Appear in Court: Advocate for the child’s best interests and provide testimony when necessary.
- Collaborate: Work with individuals and organizations involved in the child’s live to develop solutions to the issues that the child is facing.
- Make Informed Recommendations: Make sure the children and their family are receiving and benefiting from appropriate services and advocate for additional services when needed. CASA advocates “paint a picture” for the courts of what is going on specifically with the child. They bring focus to the needs of the child and address concerns and make recommendations involving the child’s health, education, mental health, placement, etc.
- Monitor Court Orders and Case Plans: Monitor all court orders to ensure the parties in the case are in compliance with the courts findings. Monitor the case plan to ensure it is being implemented and followed.
What are the requirements for becoming a CASA volunteer?
- Be 21 years-old or older
- Complete the volunteer application, participate in an interview, and submit to local, state, and national background checks.
- Participate in a pre-service training. Click here for upcoming training dates.
- Be sworn in by the juvenile judge.
- Accept a case.
- Begin advocating for a child!
What support will I receive from Voices for Children?
The Voices for Children staff is here to support you every step of the way! Your Advocate Supervisor attends every court hearing with you and walks with you throughout the duration of your case. VFC provides numerous opportunities throughout the year for continuing education through monthly meetings, yearly state conferences with the Arkansas State CASA Association, trainings through webinars and workshops, and support through our Facebook community.