Question 1

What is a CASA volunteer?

Accepted Answer

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained community member who is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court so that the children can be safe, have a permanent family and an opportunity to thrive.

Question 2

What is the CASA volunteer's role?

Accepted Answer

A CASA volunteer does four things: investigate the child’s current circumstances, facilitate communication to ensure that the child’s needs are being met, advocate for the child’s best interests in  and outside of court and monitor the activities of all parties to make sure the court’s orders are being  followed. At each hearing, the volunteer provides the judge with a carefully researched, written report  (and sometimes testimony, depending on local practice) to help the court make sound decisions. The  report contains recommendations regarding the child’s safety, permanency and well-being and where  the child should be placed.

Question 3

How does a CASA volunteer investigate a case?

Accepted Answer

The CASA volunteer visits the child regularly and talks with parents, foster parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child's history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child: social services case record, school and medical records along with other documents.

Question 4

How does the role of a CASA volunteer differ from an attorney?

Accepted Answer

The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation. That is the role of the attorney. However,  the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information to the court.

Question 5

Is there a "typical" CASA volunteer?"

Accepted Answer

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of educational and ethnic backgrounds.  There are more than 85,000 CASA volunteers nationally. Many are employed full-time outside CASA.

Question 6

What kind of training is provided?

Accepted Answer

Volunteers go through 30 hours of interactive, pre-service training, including court observation.  Depending on the program, training is offered on various day/evening/weekend hours and times of the  year to accommodate different schedules. 12 hours of in-service training is required annually.

Question 7

How many cases on average does a CASA volunteer carry at a time?

Accepted Answer

CASA of the Parkland recommends that volunteers only carry one case at a time. One case can include various numbers of children per family.

Question 8

How much time does it require?

Accepted Answer

Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 10-15 hours doing research and  conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. Once  initiated into the system, volunteers work about 8-10 hours a month.

Question 9

How many CASA programs are there?

Accepted Answer

There are now nearly 1000 CASA programs in 49 states across the country and Washington, D.C.

Question 10

How effective have CASA programs been?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that children who have been assigned CASA volunteers tend to receive more  services, are less likely to re-enter foster care and more likely to find a permanent placement than those  who do not have a CASA.

Question 11

How is CASA organized?

Accepted Answer

Every CASA volunteer is part of a local CASA program staffed by professionals who recruit, screen,  train and supervise volunteers, as well as educate the community about the needs of these children.

Question 12

How is CASA funded?

Accepted Answer

CASA of the Parkland is funded through donations, local sponsors, grants, and fundraising events.

Frequently Asked Questions