If you're interested in becoming a CASA Volunteer, CLICK this link to register for an Information Session.
What is a CASA?
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are everyday citizens appointed by our District Court Judges to advocate for the safety and well-being of children who are victims of parental abuse and neglect & living away from home. CASAs stand up for these children - one case at a time - in court and positively impact the child's trajectory within the foster care system. CASA volunteers are ordinary people who are concerned about the happiness and safety of children who are temporarily living in protective custody.
Volunteers do not need a social work background or legal expertise, just a willingness to give your time to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of Collin County’s most vulnerable children. Part of the CASA program’s success has been its diversity of volunteers, full-time workers, stay-at-home parents, retirees and people of all races, religions, and economic backgrounds. Volunteers are partnered with a CASA staffer who serves as their coach and cheerleader throughout the case. Volunteers are 21 or older and successfully pass our background screening, but all other skills and child welfare knowledge are taught in our extensive training program - taught 3 times/year.
What Do CASA Volunteers Do?
CASA Volunteers give an average of 15 to 20 hours per month to their assigned case, involving a local child (or sibling group) currently living in protective custody. Volunteers get to know the child and learn their history with the use of a powerful, (Guardian ad Litem) court order. Volunteers talk with everyone in that child's life—parents, relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, mental health service providers, attorneys, and social workers just to name a few. With the coaching & guidance from their CASA staffer, volunteer Advocates testify in court (about 5x/year) with information they've gathered to inform judges and others of specific child needs and make recommendations that serve the child's best interests. The CASA Volunteer provides a powerful voice to grateful judges and is often the only consistent and caring adult presence in the life of a a child throughout the difficult journey through the foster care system.
Volunteer Requirements
- Be 21+ years old
- Be willing to complete the online application, background checks, provide references and participate in a pre-service interview
- Complete 35 hours of pre-service training, observe live courtroom hearings, and be willing to commit to the CASA program for at least 18 months
- Be available for court appearances (with 2 wks. advanced notice)
- Visit your case's child(ren) at least twice per month
- Attend 12 hours of additional in-service training on an annual basis
