What is a CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers are ordinary people who are committed to doing what is best
for a child. CASA volunteers are people like you. They’re teachers, business
people, retirees, stay-at-home moms, grandparents, college students;
extraordinary people who want to make certain the voices of abused and
neglected children are heard. All of our volunteers are trained in courtroom
procedure, social services, the juvenile justice system, and the special
needs of abused and neglected children.
Advocates are
appointed to an abuse or neglect case by a judge, to conduct thorough
research on the background of the case. CASA volunteers get to know the
child and speak to everyone involved in the child’s life, including their
family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, social workers, and others.
Volunteers then compile this information into a court report and make a
recommendation that will help the judge make informed decisions about the
case. CASA volunteers commit to a child until the case is closed and the
child is in a safe, permanent home.
How can I become a CASA volunteer?
Click here to download your volunteer application.
All applicants interested in becoming an Advocate are must:
-
Complete a written application containing
information about educational background and training, employment and
volunteer history, and experience working with children
-
Submit the names of 3 references of persons
unrelated to applicant
-
Authorize CASA to secure a criminal background
check
-
Participate in a personal interview(s) with the
Program Director
-
Attend 30 hours of pre-service training & observe
court
-
Attend 12 hours of additional in-service
trainings on an annual basis
-
Commit to a minimum of 12 months of volunteer
service
- Sign a Volunteer Agreement upon the completion of training.
VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Bryan County CASA will be holding
volunteer training sessions beginning
February 28, 2011
2:00 p.m.
Training will be conducted at the CASA office located at:
401 North 2nd
Durant, OK
For more information contact:
Carolyn Thompson
(580) 924-6164
cthompson@bryancountycasa.com