Who Can Be a Volunteer?
You do not have to be a lawyer or a social worker to be a volunteer. We welcome people from all walks of life. We are simply looking for people who care about children and have common sense. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported by professional staff to help you through each case.
You must pass a background check, participate in a 40+hour pre-service training course and agree to stay with a case until it is closed (a year and a half on average).
How much time does it take to be a CASA volunteer?
All volunteers must complete a 40+hour pre-service training. The time commitment to a case varies depending upon the stage of the case. Volunteers sometimes say that there is a greater amount of work in the beginning of the case, when they are conducting their initial research. On average, you can expect to spend approximately 3-5 hours a week on a case. We also require volunteers to complete 12 hours of continuing education/in-service training each year. This can be accomplished through CASA hosted training workshops, books, videos, podcasts, seminars, or conferences.
Do I need to make a long-term commitment to the program?
We ask that a volunteer commit to serve for one year or the length of their first case (on average about a year and a half). Because the need in our area is high, we hope our volunteers will stay much longer.
What cities and counties do you serve?
CASA of Central Virginia serves the city of Lynchburg and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, and Nelson.
If I don’t live or work in this area, can I serve in another area with another CASA program?
Absolutely! There are 27 CASA programs in Virginia and 955 CASA programs across the United States. Visit the Virginia CASA page or National CASA page to find a program near you.
Do I need to have any special skills or meet any requirements?
No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We encourage people from all cultures and professions, and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds. Once accepted into the program, you will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system, and the special needs of abused and neglected children.
Requirements include:
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Have sufficient time to perform the volunteer duties; an average of 3-5 hours per week.
• Commitment of a minimum of one year or the length of your first case.
• Able to respect and relate to individuals from various backgrounds and cultures.
• Good oral/written communication skills, including sufficient computer skills.
• Able to provide own transportation.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and think independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.
• Possess mature judgment, high degree of responsibility, and professionalism.
• Submit an application with 3 references.
• Participate in phone and in-person interviews.
• Must successfully pass all screening/background checks.
• Must successfully complete the pre-service training program.
Exactly what does a CASA volunteer do?
CASA volunteers listen first. Then they act.
Volunteers get to know the child by talking with everyone in that child's life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers, and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others about what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them. The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer are to:
Gather information: Review documents and records, and 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. As one volunteer said: Be the glue that connects the pieces in a complicated child welfare system.
Recommend services: Ensure that the children and their families 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.
Report suspected abuse: CASA volunteers are, per the code of Virginia, mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect.
What sort of support will I receive?
You will be supported every step of the way. You will have opportunities for continuing education via workshops, online resources provided by our program as well as the National CASA Association, a resource library, local and national Facebook community, and state and national conferences. You will also be assigned to one of our professional staff members who will attend court with you, review your court reports, and provide guidance along the way.
Are there other ways I can volunteer?
Yes, we are always looking for special event volunteers, committee members, and other volunteers. Click here for more information.