The Process of Becoming a CASA Volunteer

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Step One~ Attend a Volunteer Information Session        

Our Info Sessions are short meetings--typically about thirty minutes--just enough time to share an overview of CASA and answer any questions.  We offer them several times a year. Check out our Events page for the next upcoming Info Session, or contact our office for more information. Watch a recorded info session here.

 

Step Two~ Submit an Application

Typically, the application is submitted after the Info Session, but it can be submitted before then too. Click here for the application. Completing the application in one sitting is best so the system doesn’t time out. And if you don’t have all the contact information for your references, you can use your personal information to get through the application and then provide our office with the updated information at the Interview.

 

Step Three ~  Schedule an Interview

The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to ask any questions you might have about CASA. At this meeting, we will also provide you with the forms to complete so that we can run background checks. (Child Abuse Registry, Sex Offender Registry, and Criminal Background Check).  Email us at info@casamc.org to schedule an interview. 

 

Step Four~ Attend Training

Our pre-service training is 30 hours. Fifteen hours are done in a classroom setting. These are three-hour sessions that are typically held over the course of five weeks. The other fifteen hours are completed online and incorporated with classroom training. Classroom training also includes a field trip to the Justice Center, and you’ll hear from a panel of attorneys and judges about the process. We also offer condensed training and independent study training. Contact our office for more information at 242.4191 or info@casamc.org.

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​Frequently Asked Questions

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What Knowledge or Experience is Required?

No specific educational background, profession, or experience is required. CASA volunteers are dedicated individuals of high moral character who strongly desire to advocate for abused children. Interested individuals must complete an application, provide recommendations, be interviewed, undergo a background check, and be thoroughly trained.

 

How Much Time is Required to Be a CASA Volunteer?

Each case is unique. More time is spent at the beginning of a case, researching files and court documents, meeting individuals involved in the child’s life, and conducting interviews. CASA volunteers schedule their own time, except for required attendance at court hearings and family engagement meetings. Once familiar with the case and the parties involved, a CASA volunteer spends an average of 4 to 10 hours a month.

 

Many CASA volunteers balance full-time or part-time employment with their CASA duties. We can also match two volunteers to work together on one case to allow for more flexibility with their time.

 

How Does a Child in Foster Care Get a CASA Volunteer?

The Judge presiding over an active Dependency and Neglect (D&N) case may choose to appoint a CASA volunteer. Additionally, any person or agency knowing the facts of a dependency case can request the Judge appoint a CASA volunteer. CASA of Mesa County then assigns an advocate based on availability.

 

How Long Does a CASA Volunteer Remain on a Case?

CASA volunteers continue with the case until the child is either returned home or adopted, and the case is closed. Every case is unique, but the average lasts 18 to 24 months. Often children are moved from one foster care home to another, and there can be a frequent change of case managers, judges, and hearing officers. One of the primary benefits of a CASA volunteer is to be the one consistent person who is there for the child throughout the entire process.

 

What Type of Training is Provided for CASA Volunteers?

All CASA volunteer advocates complete 30 hours of pre-service training, 15 hours of training in a classroom setting, and 15 hours online. Volunteers learn about child welfare issues from experts in the field. They learn about working with the court system and the Department of Human Services and about case assessment, permanency planning, interviewing techniques, and writing court reports, among other topics. Continuing support is provided to volunteers through in-service training, including monthly meetings, webinars, and individual support and coaching provided by CASA staff.