Q: What is a CASA volunteer?
A: CASA volunteers are community members who have a sincere desire to make a difference in the life of a child in foster care by becoming an advocate in court on the child’s behalf. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. Many work full or part time, some are students and some are retired. Although you must be at least 21 years old to volunteer, no legal expertise is necessary.
Q: How does a CASA volunteer advocate for a foster child?
A: As an advocate, a CASA volunteer will read DYFS case files and interview all parties associated with the child and the case such as biological parents, foster parents, school personnel, medical and mental health professionals and relatives. A CASA volunteer visits the child in the foster home every month in order to be familiar with what he or she needs. After gathering information, a CASA volunteer writes a report to be sent to the Family Court Judge who is presiding over the case. CASA volunteers are invited to appear at the actual Court hearing on the case to provide in-person testimony related to the report.
Q: How much time is required?
A: Most cases require approximately 5 hours per week.
Q: Do I come to an office to do my volunteer work?
A: No, CASA volunteers work out of their own homes or offices and set their own schedules.
Q: What if I need help?
A: CASA volunteers work in partnership with a Case Supervisor who is available for assistance Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Your Case Supervisor with help with questions you may have, finding necessary resources, planning your investigation and providing any other necessary support.
Q: Can I still be a CASA volunteer if I work full time?
A: Absolutely! The time you spend as a CASA volunteer is scheduled at your own convenience. Many of our volunteers work full time and schedule appointments for evenings and weekends. Some flexibility is necessary for attendance at Court hearings and for meetings with DYFS Caseworkers.
Q: How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved with a case?
A: Each case is different, however a CASA volunteer remains appointed to the case until the permanent plan for the child is in place. A minimum commitment of one year is requested.
Q: Do I have to go into dangerous neighborhoods?
A: You are never required to go into any neighborhood where you feel uncomfortable. Interviews with biological parents and/or relatives of the child can be conducted at the DYFS office, the CASA office or any neutral site in the community such as the public library or a coffee shop.
Q: What can I do to help?
A: Volunteer you time to become a CASA for an abused or neglected child in foster care. If you cannot do that, you can still help by becoming a Friend of CASA. You can also support the work of other CASA volunteers by making a donation to CASA. It costs as little as $1,200 to provide a full year of investigative and advocacy services to a child in foster care.