What do CASA Volunteers do?
CASA volunteers are assigned to an abuse or neglect case by a judge. They conduct thorough research on the background of the case, review documents, interview everyone involved, including the child. They make written and oral reports to the court, recommending what they believe is best for the child, providing the judge with information that will help make an informed decision.
CASA volunteers are instrumental in assuring that a child or family receives services which the court has ordered - things like substance abuse counseling or special education testing. During the life of a case, a CASA volunteer monitors the child's situation to make sure he or she remains safe. CASA volunteers may be the only constant figure the child knows as he or she moves through the child welfare system.
Volunteer Requirements
- Ability to keep all client and court information confidential
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds
- Ability to transport self
- Ability to maintain objectivity
- Ability to gather and record factual information accurately
- A basic understanding of child development and family relationships
- Attend approximately 35 hours of pre-service training
- Follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association
- Attend in-service training and receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff
- Commit themselves to the program for a minimum of twelve months
- Expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases unless other arrangements have been made
- Complete assigned cases unless other arrangement have been made
- Must be 21 years of age or older
For more CASA Corridor of East Tennessee volunteer information please read the volunteer job description. Every volunteer requires extensive training. To see the details of the next training session please check the news announcements on our web site or contact us for more details.
