A CASA volunteer is a Court Appointed Special Advocate appointed by a judge or magistrate to represent the best interests of an abused or neglected child in court. CASA volunteers receive thirty hours of training and go through an extensive background clearance process. After a CASA volunteer is assigned to a child, they meet with that child weekly in order to develop a rapport. They also review records, interview parents, foster parents, teachers, social workers, attorneys, and other relevant people in the child’s life. This allows the CASA volunteer to identify the needs of the child. The CASA volunteer advocates for permanency, safety, and the services that are in the best interest of the child.

No! Our volunteers come from all walks of life. They include business executives, teachers, homemakers, attorneys, students and retirees. We believe that each volunteer brings a unique set of talents, skills and gifts to the table!

A CASA volunteer provides a judge or magistrate with a carefully researched court report about a child’s background to help the court make a sound decision about the child’s future. The CASA volunteer must determine what is in the best interest of the child and make recommendations on placement and other services the child needs, in a written court report. Additionally, the CASA volunteer is an advocate beyond the court, ensuring that the child receives the services and attention that are needed. The CASA volunteer continues to update the court with information about the child as needed during the life of the case. Every CASA volunteer is required to honor the child and family’s culture and identity through ongoing training and supervision. All CASA volunteers receive supervision by Licensed Clinical professionals.

While every case varies, CASA volunteers usually spend 7-10 hours per month which includes attending court, visiting weekly with the child, and speaking to people related to the case including their supervisor, the child’s biological family, social workers, and foster parents.

To prepare a written court report, the CASA volunteer speaks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, teachers, health providers, and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history and current situation. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child including school, medical, psychiatric, and social worker reports. An order from the court appointing the CASA volunteer gives the volunteer permission to access these records. The information is put into a format that is reviewed by the CASA Supervisor and then submitted to the court in advance of the court date. All CASA volunteers receive detailed training about how to write a court report.

The Department of Social Services is the guardian for all the children living in foster care and residential placements. With high caseloads, social workers are responsible for many children in foster care. The CASA volunteer is assigned to one child, and develops a relationship with the child during their weekly visits. They also meet with the family, school personnel, health care providers and any other significant parties. The CASA volunteer works to discover the appropriate services needed to achieve permanency and safety for the child.

The CASA volunteer continues with the case until there is some type of resolution. The goal is that the child should be placed in a safe and permanent home. CASA volunteers are asked to give a minimum of a one-year time commitment.

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Voices for Children is committed to diversity and equity across the organization, and sees this as a vital component of serving the community. All of our volunteers are committed to making a difference in the life of a youth in Howard County. Over half of the CASA volunteers are employed full time and most have at least some college education. All CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years of age.