VOLUNTEERING WITH CASA
CASA volunteers are everyday people – teachers, business people, retirees, stay-at-home moms, and grandparents – who are committed to making a difference for children who might otherwise slip through the cracks in an overburdened foster care system. They are appointed by judges to guide one child or one set of siblings through the system to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. CASA volunteers research case records and speak to each person involved in a child’s life, including family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and social workers. They monitor the progress of the child and family throughout the case and advocate for the child’s current and future needs in court, in school, and in agency meetings. Their independent evaluations allow the court to make better informed decisions.
Because CASAs serve on one case at a time, they truly get to know the child and can give each case the sustained, personal attention it deserves.
We invite you to join our family of volunteers and make a difference in a child’s life – and your own.
what do children gain from having a casa?
CASA volunteers are a source of hope and support for child victims as they wait for the courts to decide where they may safely live. Advocates help children access the services they need to heal from their abuse, and the information and recommendations CASA volunteers provide help to expedite the court process and provide better outcomes for children under the state’s protection. For many children who have been abused, CASA is the only constant during a frightening, uncertain time. A CASA volunteer can make an immediate and critical impact on the life of a child.
Qualifications
Volunteer advocates are patient, open-minded people who have good communication skills, a history of following through on commitments and a willingness to accept guidance. Above all, they care about children.
A CASA Volunteer must also:
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Successfully pass screening and background check requirements.
- Successfully complete initial training provided by the CASA of Walker, San Jacinto & Trinity Counties program.
(40+ hours of initial training plus 3 hours of courtroom observation) - Be able to make an 18-month minimum commitment to a case.
(An average of 10-15 hours per month) - Be able to keep information confidential and work within established program guidelines.
Are CASA volunteers trained and supervised?
Yes! CASA volunteers undergo initial training and 12 hours of continuing education each year. Each volunteer advocate works with a CASA staff supervisor who provides guidance throughout the court process. For more information about the dates for the initial training course, click here .
Get Started by learning more!
Take the first steps toward becoming a CASA Advocate by attending a “CASA 101”. In this one hour session, we’ll share in depth about the unique opportunity of becoming a CASA advocate. We’ll also share briefly about other ways to be involved with CASA, including board membership, and other committee/community involvement opportunities.
Upcoming CASA 101’s are scheduled as follows:
- There are no CASA 101’s currently scheduled. Stay tuned for updates to come.
To RSVP or to receive direct updates about upcoming sessions, please email information@casaofwalkercounty.org.
Ready to apply?
You’ve attended an information session and you’re ready to dive in? Take that leap by completing the volunteer application linked below (the application is exclusively for those interested in becoming a CASA Advocate):
Apply Online** HERE
**Please allow 20-30 minutes to complete the online application, as you must complete it in one session. We suggest that before you begin the application, gather contact information (phone, email, mailing address) for 3 non-relative references that you’ve known for at least two years.
**Applications are always accepted. However, CASA will not initiate the application process until after attendance at one of the required information sessions.
EMPLOYMENT WITH CASA
Click HERE to view CASA’s employment and internship opportunities