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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:

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  • 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

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Time Commitment

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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:

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  • 30 hours in pre-service training (15 hours in person/15 hours online)

  • 10-15 hours per month working on their case

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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

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Continuing Education and Support

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  • 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 Heartland on a quarterly basis

  • Peer support is available quarterly through our CASA to CASA (C2C) meetings

  • Social media pages are updated daily

  • Newsletters are sent out monthly

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Continuing Education Resources

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