BECOME A CASA ADVOCATE
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?
CASA Advocates are ordinary people, just like you, with an extraordinary desire to help a child find a place to call home. You do not need a social work background or legal expertise to be a successful volunteer, but you do need to be committed to your case and willing to advocate for what is in the child’s best interest. Part of CASA’s success has been the diversity of volunteers—men and women who are full-time workers, stay-at-home parents, retirees, college students and people of all races, religions, social, and economic backgrounds—who want to make a difference in the life of a child.
Volunteers with professional backgrounds in early childhood and healthcare may be asked to become a CASA Advocate in the Safe Babies Court program.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
One of the greatest gifts CASA Advocates provide to the children we serve is consistency. Thus, it is important that volunteers understand the dedication necessary to fulfill our mission. We know that everyone has busy lives, but we request that our volunteers dedicate 12 months of service, with an average of 10 hours spent on the case per month.
There are several requirements that must be met to be considered as a volunteer. After applying and passing a background check, the potential volunteer must be able to fully complete an on-site 30-hour volunteer training program. We ask that volunteers be 21 years of age or older. We also stress that volunteers be able to relate in a positive, objective manner to children, families, and other professionals.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Complete the volunteer application below or contact James McIntyre at James.McIntyre@casacookcounty.org.
