What is CASA?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is an adult willing to stand up for an abused or neglected child. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to provide factual information on behalf of a child caught in a difficult legal process. In a court system challenged by increasing caseloads, a CASA volunteer can make the single greatest diffrence in the life of a child.
What does a CASA do?
You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to become a CASA volunteer. These abused children simply need dedicated and devoted women and men who are will to advocate for their best intrests.
As a CASA volunteer, you will be given support, guidance, tools, and training from professionals in the field to help you understand and work effectively within the child welfare system. You will develop communication techniques and cultural competency skills, and receive relevant child development training.
Once you are sworn in as a child advocate by a judge, you will be given constant support and guidance by professional staff as you search for information on what is in the child's best interest. You will review the case, gather new data and become a report that is shared in the courtroom. Your recommendations will be considered by the judge when making decisions regarding the child.
Why choose to be a CASA?
Every year, the state of Texas removes thousands of children from their homes because of abuse and neglect. These victimized children are drawn into an overburdened child welfare system that is charged with addressing every child's needs. As part of this process, these children go to court where judges must weigh all the evidence to make important decisions that greatly impact the lives of these children.
When there is a CASA on the case, the judge is afforded a unique and comprehensive picture of the child's situatuon, needs and best potential outcomes. CASA volunteers are frequently the most consistent adult in the lives of children during their involvement in the child welfare system. CASA volunteers help guide abused and neglected children toward safe, loving, permanent families.
How do I become a CASA?
To become a CASA, you should be:
1) Willing to commit at least one year of your time
2) Able to interview a variety of sources ( teachers, relatives. etc.)
3) Able to remain objective in your recommendaations
4) Able to effectively communicate orally and in writing
5) Mature in dealing with emotional situations
6) Willing to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences
7) Willing to go through an in-depth training program
8) Able to pass an extensive background check
9) Over the age of 21
10) Fill out contact information, link on the top left corner under about CASA
