CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO BE A CASA VOLUNTEER
Q: What does a CASA volunteer do?
A: A CASA volunteer is a child advocate who works on a court case involving children who have
been abused or neglected. When these children are removed from their homes, a court case is filed. The
court identifies problems in the home and attempts to provide services to fix the problems. The CASA
volunteer is an independent 3rd party who collects information; gets to know the children and families,
and makes recommendations to the court about what is in the children’s best interest.
Q: Who can be a CASA?
A: Anyone can be. All you need is to be at least 21 years old, be able to pass background checks, have
a driver’s license, and complete our 30-hour training class.
Q: What are the steps to becoming a CASA?
A: The first step is applying. Our application is online here:
Click Here for Online Application.
Next there is an interview with the program director and back ground checks performed. Then you
participate in training classes
Q: How much time will I spend on my case?
A: The amount of time can vary depending on what is happening in your case, but the average time
volunteers spend is 8-15 hrs a month.
Q: What if I have my own children and/or a job?
A: Most of the work of a CASA volunteer is flexible and can be worked around your schedule. Many
of our volunteers have jobs and school aged children. You do need to be able to be available for court
hearings which happen approximately once every 90 days.
Q: Is there a need for CASA volunteers?
A: There is a huge need for CASA volunteers. In Lawrence County alone, there are over 100 children
waiting for a CASA volunteer.
Q: What is the length of time a CASA volunteer must commit?
A: The minimum commitment is one to two years after training requirements are complete. However,
the program encourages volunteers to be there for the child with the expectation that individual case
duration may vary.
Q: What else does a CASA volunteer do besides visit the child?
A: CASA volunteers gather information and prepare reports regarding the best interests and needs of
the child. CASA volunteers are legally appointed to their child and have access to confidential
information such as school and medical records.
Q: Do I need to have a certain educational background or experience to be a CASA?
A: No. Prior to being assigned a case, you will go through an extensive training program. The training
you will receive will prepare you and you will have ongoing support from the Lawrence County CASA
staff.
Q: Do the judges really read the CASA reports and value the recommendations of the CASA?
A: Yes, the judge values the input from the CASA volunteer as much as anyone else in the case. The
Judge understands that our volunteers are doing this work out of a desire to protect the children. This is
invaluable to them in making the best possible decision for the child.
Q: Will I make a difference?
A: Yes! Research shows that cases with a CASA volunteer have better outcomes, the children spend
less time in foster care, are able to get to a permanent living situation quicker, and are less likely to
reenter the system.