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For Advocates

What CASAs Do

What Does a CASA Volunteer do?

CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interest of a neglected or abused child. The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer include the following:

  • ​Gather information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members and other parties
  • Provide written reports at court hearings
  • Appear in court
  • Recommend services: Share concerns about the child’s health, education, mental health, etc.
  • Monitor case
  • Visit child(ren) monthly
  • Document hours/mileage

Time Commitment

​Time commitment typically depends on the stage of the case. Volunteers report that there is a greater time commitment at the beginning of a case. While the CASA volunteer experience is generally flexible and scheduled at the volunteer’s convenience, occasionally there are mandatory court hearings or meetings during business hours. A typical volunteer spends:

  • 30 hours in pre-service training (15 hours in person/15 hours online)
  • 10-15 hours per month working on their case

Requirements

  • Be 21 years old
  • Completion of the volunteer application including references and background check
  • Participation in an interview
  • Completion of 30 hour pre-service training
  • Available for court appearances, with advance notice
  • Commitment to the CASA program for at least 1 year

​Continuing Education and Support

  • ​Each CASA volunteer is assigned a staff supervisor who will be familiar with their case and available for ongoing support and supervision
  • CASA volunteers are generally assigned a peer mentor
  • In-service trainings are offered by CASA of the TN Valley on a quarterly basis
  • Peer support is available quarterly through our CASA to CASA (C2C) meetings
  • Social media pages are updated daily
  • CASA Bookclub through BookClubz to get more in-service hours

​Continuing Education Resources

  • ​National CASA Webinar Library
  • National CASA Book List
  • Tough Love-PBS Documentary
  • Everyday Heroes 
  • National CASA YouTube Channel
  • Child Welfare Information Gateway
  • Tennessee Voices For Children
  • Understanding Healthy vs. Unhealthy Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth
  • Success Beyond 18: Transitioning Youth to Adulthood
  • Sex Trafficking Awareness Videos 
  • Behavioral Changes in Foster Care
  • Domestic Violence and It’s Impact on the Developing Child
  • Continuing Education Documentation Form

Our Vision: Seeing Every Child in a Safe, Permanent Home

  • CASA Volunteers help change children's lives every day.

    76,756

  • Abused and neglected children had a CASA volunteer speaking up for their best interest in the last year.

    250, 323

  • Children are waiting for a volunteer empowered to find them a safe, loving, permanent home.

    452,000

  • Children in safer homes since 1977.

    2 Million

  • Ryan Dollinger
    Ryan Dollinger

    I would have been lost in foster care without my CASA volunteer.

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

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