Q: How much time is involved in being a CASA advocate?
A: An individual who wishes to serve as an advocate is required to successfully complete a 30-hour training program and participate in 12 hours of continuing education annually. CASA volunteers usually work with only one case at a time, and although time commitment varies, they spend an average of 10-12 hours per month on their case. Advocates remain actively involved in the case until formally dismissed by the juvenile court.
Q: What process does a new volunteer go through?
A: The process of becoming a volunteer advocate includes the completion of a written application, an initial interview, a background check, fingerprinting and reference checks. Applicants that are accepted into the training program must meet all program requirements prior to being sworn in as a CASA advocate.
Q: What does a CASA volunteer do?
A: CASA volunteers advocate for the child’s best interests in order to find that child a safe permanent home as soon as possible. A CASA volunteer serves as: 1. A FACT-FINDER, gathering relevant information and objectively examining the situation, including history, environment, relationships and the needs of the child; 2. A FACILITATOR, coordinating a collaborative relationship between all parties involved in the case, helping to create a situation in which the child’s needs can be met; 3. A MONITOR, overseeing the child and the child’s situation throughout the court proceedings, checking compliance with court orders and notifying the court of circumstances regarding the child’s best interests; and 4. An ADVOCATE, ensuring each child’s needs are acted upon in a sensitive and expedient manner.
Q: Are volunteers really needed?
A: Yes, they are! Every child who has experienced abuse or neglect deserves to have an advocate that looks out for their best interest. CASA advocates are an important part of the juvenile court system.
Q: How do I volunteer?
A: To volunteer for CASA DeKalb County Inc. in Illinois,
- Fill out a volunteer application here, and submit it.
-OR-
- Call the CASA office at 815-895-2052 or email us at casa@casadekalb.org for more information
Q: How else can I help?
A: Other ways to support CASA include:
- Donate and support our mission to provide every abused and neglected child in DeKalb County with a safe permanent home as soon as possible.
- Attend CASA events, or join our event planning committees.
- Assist advocates with Juvenile Court cases as a Pro Bono attorney.
- Oversee the administration of the program as a member of the Board of Directors.