What is CASA?

All children have a right to a home with loving people to care for them, but each year in the 17th
Judicial District, more than twelve hundred children are abused, neglected, or abandoned by
their families.  Eventually, they end up in court.  Their only “crime” is that they have been victims.  
It is up to a judge to decide their future.  Should they remain in foster care?  Should they be
reunited with parents or be adopted?  Sometimes children become a victim for a second time;
lost in an overburdened child welfare system that cannot pay close enough attention to each
child whose life is in its hands.  Sometimes a child can remain adrift in foster care for years.  
These children are of all ages, races, and economic groups.  That’s where CASA comes in.  
CASA volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates for children.  They are trained
community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up in court for abused and neglected
children.

What is the CASA volunteer’s role?

CASA is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocate.  CASA volunteers are ordinary
citizens.  They work alongside attorneys and caseworkers as appointed officers of the court
after they have completed training.  Each volunteer is assigned a case and gather information
about the child and his or her individual needs.  CASA volunteers are not attorneys; they do
work with the Attorney ad Litem who has been appointed to represent the child’s legal
interests.  These attorneys appreciate the assistance and information that is provided to them
during the course of CASA’s investigation.  This data includes:

    •        Interviewing parents, relatives, neighbors, friends, DHS caseworker, foster
    parents, school faculty, doctors, counselors, and law enforcement officers.

    •        Documentation of facts and professional opinions that assist in determining the
    child’s personal needs.

    •        Meetings with professional opinions that assist in determining the child’s needs
    are being appropriately met.

    •        Preparing a written report, with recommendations, for the judge.

    •        Appearing at court hearings prepared to testify, if necessary.

Can anyone volunteer to be a CASA?

CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens.  No special legal background is required.  However,
volunteers must be at least 21 years old and are screened closely for objectivity, competence,
and commitment.

What training does a CASA volunteer receive?

CASA volunteers are required to undergo at least 30 hours of pre-service training before being
assigned a case.  The pre-service/initial training includes:

    •        Roles and responsibilities of a CASA volunteer
    •        Juvenile court process
    •        The dynamics of human behavior associated with child abuse and neglect
    •        Relevant state and federal laws
    •        Confidentiality and record keeping practices
    •        Advocacy
    •        The special needs of the children served, differences in cultural and
    socioeconomic norms, values, and heritage
    •        Identification of personal and institutional bias or discrimination as it relates to the
    children and families being served

The initial training includes an opportunity for each volunteer to visit the court while it is in
session to observe proceedings. The CASA volunteer is required to complete at least 10 hours
of in-service training per year thereafter.

How much time does it require?  

Each case is different.  A CASA volunteer usually spends about 15 hours doing research and
conducting interview, prior to the first court appearance.  More complicated cases can take
longer.  Once initiated into the system, volunteers work about 10-15 hours a month.  

How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved with a case?

The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved.  The volunteer should be
prepared to commit to serving at least one year on a case.  One of the primary benefits of the
CASA program is that, unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteer
is a consistent figure in the proceedings and provides continuity for a child.

What children are assigned to CASA volunteers?

Children who are victims of abuse and/or neglect are assigned volunteers.  The program is
most common in Juvenile and Family Court cases.


How effective have CASA programs been?

Recent studies have shown that children who have a CASA volunteer spend less time in foster
care, receive better services while in foster care and are less likely to re-enter the child welfare
system.

WAYS TO HELP

Become a CASA volunteer
What does it take?  Dedication—most programs ask for at least a year’s commitment.  
Objectivity. Communication skills.  The ability to work with a varity of people-from child welfare
professionals to abusive parents.

Share your skill
Programs often need help with public relations.  You might be able to help the CASA program
receive attention and recruit much-needed volunteers.  If you have good computer skills, we are
always on the lookout for much-needed assistance.

Spread the word
Community service organizations, clubs, and church groups can also be important supporters
of CASA.  Have CASA make a presentation to your group, and consider making a donation to
support their work.  

Donate
Used (or even better, new) office equipment such as a computer, copy machine, fax machine,
office furniture, or supplies.

Offer to serve
Serving on a committee, board of directors or advisory group.  The program will benefit from
your leadership sills, expertise, and community contacts.

How do I obtain more information about becoming a CASA volunteer?

CASA OF WHITE COUNTY, INC.
PO Box 477
Searcy, AR  72145
P. (501) 305-3428
F. (501) 279-6263
Email: director@wccasa.org
About Us