BECOME A VOLUNTEER
We always welcome prospective new volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates! Advocates have diverse backgrounds, share a commitment to improving children’s lives, a willingness to learn, and an open mind towards life experiences different from their own. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and are required to complete an interview, background checks, and a 40-hour training program before being sworn in as an officer of the court. CASA volunteers are appointed to a child or sibling group and spend an average of 8 – 10 hours a month getting to know the child while also gathering information from many who are involved in the child’s life.
The Roles of a CASA Volunteer
- Establish a relationship with the child to better understand his or her particular needs and desires
- Communicate the child’s needs and explore potential resources which will facilitate early family reunification or alternative permanency planning
- Support the child throughout court proceedings
- Provide consistent attention to the child’s situation to ensure that the court’s plans for the child are being implemented
- Frequently become a trusted adult in children’s lives
In addition to these responsibilities, the CASA must speak with his/her child regularly. This one-on-one contact promotes a trusting relationship for the child who sometimes has no other consistent relationship during the period of involvement with the Court.
REQUIREMENTS
CASA of the Mid-Shore offers a Pre-Service Training Program to prospective volunteers.
The 30+ hr training program combines in-person participation with an online curriculum that allows for personal flexibility in completing additional hours of training.
All prospective volunteer applicants must be at least 21 years of age, participate in an interview, and undergo background and reference checks.
Each volunteer must be able to commit between 8 to 10 hours each month to a child and at least one year of service.
CASA volunteers are compassionate and committed members of the community who want to make a difference in a child’s life. Prospective volunteer applicants must be at least 21 years of age.
FOLLOW THESE Steps
to become a CASA Volunteer
STEP 1
STEP 2
Submit a completed application.
Provide four references.
Sign a waiver for background checks.
STEP 3
Participate in an interview with a CASA staff member.
STEP 4
Attend 30+ hour Pre-Service Training program.
STEP 5
Participate in a brief second interview.
STEP 6
Graduating CASA volunteers are sworn-in as Officers of the Court.
STEP 7
Accept an appointment to a child’s case.
SAVE THE DATE 2022
PRE-SERVICE TRAINING
Following screening, the volunteer experience starts as a learning opportunity. The CASA mid-shore staff creates a safe and supportive learning environment where volunteer candidates are encouraged to build knowledge and skills in child-welfare policy, judicial practices, program values and best-interest advocacy.
April 6 – May 11 2022
