Volunteer
Court-appointed special advocates (CASAs) advocate for the best-interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers work with child welfare professionals, educators and service providers to ensure that judges have the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. No other individual has the depth of knowledge that a CASA volunteer has. Having a CASA volunteer can be a life-changing difference for a child.
Your voice is needed now more than ever. An increasing number of children in Shawnee County do not have a CASA volunteer assigned to their case.
Do I Qualify?
Qualifications
- You must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
- You must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
- You cannot be convicted of – or have charges pending for – crimes that are violent, sexual, or that demonstrate character not appropriate for a CASA volunteer.
- You must have an interest in children and their rights.
- You must be willing to devote the time to successfully complete screening and training, and to participate in continuing education.
- You must possess the communication skills to work effectively with children, their families, and involved agencies and organizations.
- You must be available for court appearances, with advance notice.
- You must be willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed.
Requirements
- Volunteers must complete 30 hours of volunteer training
- Volunteers must maintain confidential records and information for the child’s case.
- Volunteers must maintain regular contact with Shawnee County CASA.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Gather information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members and professionals in their lives.
- Document findings: Provide written reports at court hearings.
- Appear in court: Advocate for the child’s best interests and provide testimony when necessary.
- Explain what is going on: Help the child understand the court proceedings.
- “Be the glue”: Seek cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved in the children’s lives.
- Recommend services: Ensure that the children and their family are receiving appropriate services and advocate for those that are not immediately available. Bring concerns about the child’s health, education, mental health, etc. to the appropriate professionals.
- Monitor case plans and court orders: Check to see that plans are being followed and mandated review hearings are being held.
- Keep the court informed: Update the court on developments with agencies and family members. Ensure that appropriate motions are filed on behalf of the child so the court knows about any changes in the child’s situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CASA of Shawnee County?
CASA of Shawnee County is a private, nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who assist the court in protecting the best interests of abused and neglected children in Shawnee County.
Why is CASA needed?
The Shawnee County welfare system is overwhelmed with the number of abused and neglected children that are active in Juvenile Court. A CASA volunteer, being assigned to just one or two cases at a time, can focus on gathering all of the pertinent information, meet regularly with the children, and report their findings to the judge so that the Court can make an informed decision regarding a child’s future.
What is a CASA Volunteer?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a specially-trained citizen appointed by the Juvenile Court judge to represent a child victim in cases of abuse and neglect. A CASA’s role in abuse and neglect proceedings is to present the court with a unique “child-centered” perspective regarding what is in the best interest of the child.
What does a CASA do?
Once appointed by a juvenile court judge, our CASA volunteers begin a process of information gathering with the goal of guiding abused children out of the foster care system, identifying the child’s needs, and ensuring rehabilitative services. They act as a communications link between the complicated pieces of the child welfare system. Volunteers gather all the pertinent information about their child’s case and make recommendations to the judge based on that information.
How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved with a case?
CASA volunteers are asked to make a commitment to stay with each case they assume until the case closes through reunification with the family, adoption, or “aging out” of the system.
What training does a CASA volunteer receive?
Each CASA volunteer must complete a comprehensive 30 hours of training. You will learn about the child welfare system, how to work with children involved in the system, cultural differences, and effective advocacy techniques. Professionals from social service agencies, attorneys and judges participate with the CASA staff to share their expertise.
Once trained and assigned to a case, volunteers can choose from a range of options to satisfy the 12 hours of additional training that are required of advocates annually.
Once trained and assigned to a case, volunteers can choose from a range of options to satisfy the 12 hours of additional training that are required of advocates annually.
Who can be an Advocate?
There is no “typical” volunteer. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life with a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds, but they all share in the desire make a difference. Advocates must be 21 years old and are asked for a minimum commitment of two years in order to ensure stability and consistency for the children we serve.
How much time does it require?
In the same amount of time you spend each week doing something ordinary, like attending dinner or watching a movie, you can do something extraordinary—change the life of an abused and neglected child.
Volunteers average 5-10 hours on their case per month. However, cases that are more complex may require more time researching and conducting interviews with involved parties. It is also possible, however, to be on a case that requires less time.
Who are the children in foster care?
Children are in foster care for a variety of reasons, namely abuse and neglect. Abuse includes physical, sexual, and emotional harm to the child that causes them to be unsafe in their home. Neglect may include extremely unsanitary living conditions, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, and much more. Children in foster care may range in ages from newborn to 21 years old. They come from a variety of background situations, cultures, and family settings. In Shawnee County, there are over 1,000 children in the foster care system. The majority of children are in foster care due to chronic neglect, though we have seen an increase in physical and sexual abuse cases recently.
How many cases on average does a CASA carry at a time?
The average caseload for each CASA is one. However, we have some experienced volunteers who advocate on two cases.
How does a CASA research the case?
To prepare their recommendations for the court, CASA volunteers meet with the parents and other family members, social workers, school officials, healthcare professionals, and all others involved in the child’s life. Most importantly, CASAs visit with the child(ren) at least once each month in order to gain a full understanding of the situation. While remaining objective, CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinions, feelings, and dreams.
How does the CASA volunteer relate to the child he or she represents?
CASA volunteers offer children a source of stability and trust during complex legal proceedings. They often explain to the child the meaning of the events and the role of all the involved parties. CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinions, feelings, and hope, while remaining objective observers.
How effective is CASA of Shawnee County?
Judges have noted the value of the information that CASA brings to the proceedings and are appreciative of the unique and unbiased perspective presented by CASA advocates. In addition, national studies show that a child who has been assigned a CASA volunteer spends less time in court and less time in foster care than those who do not have CASA representation.
How is CASA of Shawnee County funded?
As a private nonprofit, CASA relies on a diverse revenue base. We receive support from foundations, individual and corporate contributions, public grant monies, and revenue from CASA fundraising efforts.
How do I get more information on becoming a CASA/GAL volunteer?
Your first step to becoming a CASA is to complete an application. A link to the download can be found on the Volunteer menu. If you prefer, you can call our Program, at (785) 215-8282. Once you complete the application, you can expect someone from our staff to contact you to set up a face-to-face meeting where we can get to know each other better.
Who are the children in foster care?
Children are in foster care for a variety of reasons, namely abuse and neglect. Abuse includes physical, sexual, and emotional harm to the child that causes them to be unsafe in their home. Neglect may include extremely unsanitary living conditions, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, and much more. Children in foster care may range in ages from newborn to 21 years old. They come from a variety of background situations, cultures, and family settings. In Shawnee County, there are over 1,000 children in the foster care system. The majority of children are in foster care due to chronic neglect, though we have seen an increase in physical and sexual abuse cases recently.
Can a Child Advocate really make a difference?
Research studies have shown that the introduction of just one caring adult in the life of an abused child can change the course of that child’s life forever. With volunteer advocates, children who have known only hurt, rejection and disappointment from adults learn to trust, and hope, and love. A court appointed volunteer advocate makes a profound and positive difference for abused children.
What if I need help with my CASA child?
Each volunteer is continuously supported by and in contact with a professional and experienced Advocate Supervisor.
Volunteers work closely with an Advocate Supervisor who guides their casework and supports the efforts of the volunteer. Our staff members have expertise in working on behalf of abused children and are there to coach the volunteer through casework, court, working with the child and families, and all other aspects of their volunteer role. The CASA Volunteer/Advocate Supervisor team approaches the child’s case jointly, ensuring the best services are delivered to the child.
Volunteers work closely with an Advocate Supervisor who guides their casework and supports the efforts of the volunteer. Our staff members have expertise in working on behalf of abused children and are there to coach the volunteer through casework, court, working with the child and families, and all other aspects of their volunteer role. The CASA Volunteer/Advocate Supervisor team approaches the child’s case jointly, ensuring the best services are delivered to the child.
Are there other ways to help CASA besides being a child advocate?
Yes! Being a child advocate is not possible for everyone. There are so many ways that concerned community members can become involved with CASA. CASA of Shawnee County needs individuals who will help underwrite the program, special events, or projects with their donations (monetary and in-kind); who wish to assist in the office; and who are willing to tell others about our mission and vision. In addition, we welcome men and women from the community to fill vacancies (when they exist) on our board of directors or on organization and event committees. These are all critical to the success of our organization. CASA needs the support of the community for us to meet our goals and provide quality service to children.