Have you ever had a question and didn’t know where to find the answer? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This section is a compilation of answers to the questions most commonly asked by our constituents. Just start by following one of the links below.
If you can’t find the question you wanted to ask, don’t hesitate to contact us.
- What are the qualifications to become a CASA volunteer?
- What is the process to become a CASA volunteer?
- How can I get involved?
- If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
- What is your organization’s privacy policy?
- What are the qualifications to become a CASA volunteer?Commitment: The vast majority of cases last one to two years, and the amount of time spent on a case per month typically averages 10 hours. Volunteers must make case time a priority in order to provide quality advocacy.Objectivity: Volunteers research case records and speak to everyone involved in a child’s life, including their family members, teacher, doctor, lawyer, social worker and others. Their third-party evaluations are based on facts, evidence and testimonies.Communication skills: Once a volunteer has fully evaluated a case, they prepare a written report outlining their recommendation for the child’s placement. They must be able to speak with authority as they present their rationale to the judge in court.
- What is the process to become a CASA volunteer?CASA volunteers undergo a thorough training and development program that consists of at least 30 hours of pre-service training, followed by 12 hours of yearly in-service training. Volunteers learn about courtroom procedure from the principals in the system: judges, lawyers, social workers, court personnel and others. CASA volunteers also learn effective advocacy techniques for children, and are educated about specific topics ranging from seminars on child sexual abuse to discussions on early childhood development and adolescent behavior.After completion of the initial training, volunteers are sworn in as officers of the court. This gives them the legal authority to conduct research on the child’s situation and submit reports to the court.
- How can I get involved?We’re always on the lookout for individuals like you wanting to get involved. Visit our What You Can Do section to find out ways to donate or volunteer.
- If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?We have a responsibility to our community and our donors and work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization. We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law.
- What is your organization’s privacy policy?Our organization takes our privacy policy seriously and takes steps to protect and ensure the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit.