The CASA volunteer’s primary responsibility is to serve as the “eyes and ears” of the court, gathering information from the child, his/her biological parents, foster parents, teachers, counselors, etc. and make recommendations to the judge as to what is in the child’s best interest.

Advocates generally visit monthly with the child/youth. When the court appoints a CASA volunteer to work with a child, these visits are just the beginning. The primary role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate is to:

• Determine the needs of the child by reading the child’s entire welfare file, connecting with teachers, foster parents, social workers, doctors, mental health professionals, relatives, parents, attorneys– everyone involved in the child’s life throughout the case.

• Facilitate social services and community resources to meet the needs of the child.

• Advocate for the child’s needs to be met promptly and thoroughly. Write thorough, accurate court reports.

• Monitor to ensure team members follow through on meeting the child’s needs.

• Be trusted support for the child. In the sea of ever-changing faces, the CASA volunteer is the one person the child knows will keep coming back – each and every week. 

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There are no educational or professional requirements, but advocates must be 21 years old. Volunteers are carefully screened and receive 30 hours of training before being assigned to children.