Become a CASA Volunteer

Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA)s are appointed by the Presiding Judge, County Family Part, to ensure that the best interests of the child are met. In order to do this, the CASA volunteer must investigate the facts of the case, recommend a course of action to the Court, facilitate the resolution of the presenting problems, and monitor the progress toward the established goals.

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Qualifications of a CASA Volunteer:

• Interest in children, their rights, and special needs
• Minimum age of 21 years of age
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing – making oral and written reports to the Court, to the CASA supervisor and to appropriate individuals
• Ability to pass National, State Central and local background checks as well as sex offender registry checks and child abuse registry checks.
• Provide four references all from non-relatives
• Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds
• A CASA Volunteer should not be related to any parties involved in the case or be employed or in a position or with an agency that might be a conflict of interest. These agencies include DCF and Department of Education employees
• Ability to follow through with a case for 1-2 years or until the case is permanently resolved.

• Attend basic initial training sessions (total of 36 hours)  
• Complete 12 hours of in-service training session per year 

• Investigate  
• Obtain first hand a clear understanding of the needs and situation of the child by reviewing all relevant documents and records and interviewing the child, parents, social workers, teachers, and other professionals to determine the facts and circumstances of the child's situation
• Advocate
• Appear at all Court Hearings to advocate for the child's best interest and provide testimony when necessary
• Make recommendations for specific appropriate services for the child and, when appropriate, the child's family
• Monitor implementation of service plans and court
• Inform the court promptly of important developments in the case

Supervision

• Maintain communication with CASA supervisor on all case activity
• Periodic assessments with CASA supervisor
• CASA supervisors do not alter reports or recommendations without the knowledge and agreement of the CASA Volunteer

Confidentiality

• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with Mercer and Burlington County CASA policies
• Return case files to the program after case is closed.