CASA volunteers are everyday citizens inspired to advocate for local children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect. You do not have to be a lawyer or a social worker to be a volunteer. We welcome people from all walks of life who care about children. Our volunteers are thoroughly trained and well supported by staff through each case.
1. APPLY
Be the voice a child needs.
Fill out this online form or download the paper application and email it back to info@nwocasa.com. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age.
2. INTERVIEW
After we review your application, we will get in touch to schedule an interview. We will complete a background check, reference reviews and answer all your questions about this unique and special opportunity to serve our community.
3. PRE-SERVICE TRAINING
Pre-Service Training classes are typically offered twice a year. The 30 hours of training involves meeting one night per week (6 weeks), self-guided work, and observing court hearings. Training topics include child abuse and neglect, legal framework, child development, domestic violence, substance abuse and so much more.
4. ADVOCATE
Once training is completed, you would be sworn in by local Juvenile Court Judge as a CASA volunteer. You would be carefully matched with a case and receive guidance and support to ensure you are comfortable and confident. Advocates must be able to volunteer a minimum of 3-12 hours per month. If you can’t make that commitment, but would still like to volunteer, ask about Friends of CASA.
HEAR FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS
Nikki
“I have been a CASA volunteer for 4 years, in my four years I have heard stories that broke my heart, I have cried some tears… but I have helped. I have been the person they have reached out to when they are feeling alone, I have been the one they confided in, I have been their voice when they couldn’t speak.”
Denise
“The last “A” in CASA is “advocate”, being the voice for the child. My experience of being a CASA volunteer has been most rewarding . By being a CASA to a child in our community, we give them hope, and they give us the chance to do good.”
Rick and Veranda
“We are honored to be able to serve as CASAs and believe we have impacted a child’s life, but truly we are the ones who benefit the most by serving.”
Priscilla
“After 38 years in education, working with children is still one of my greatest passions. CASA allows me to continue to support many young people. It warms my heart and I recognize the importance of CASA when a child comments, ‘I feel like you are looking out for me like I have my own lawyer.'”
AND THEN YOU CAME ALONG
For many neglected and abused children, their CASA volunteer is the only reliable adult presence in their lives. And that single volunteer can often be enough to break the cycle of violence and neglect-not just for one child, but for generations to come.