Volunteer Overview
What Do CASA Volunteers Do?
Nobody longs for a safe and loving family more than a child who has been removed from his home due to abuse or neglect and placed in foster care. As a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, you are empowered to help make this dream a reality. You will not only bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children, but also their children and generations to come. And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.
CASA of the Pikes Peak Region is a non-profit organization of volunteers who are voices for abused and neglected children. The courts appoint CASA volunteers to gather information and make recommendations to help judges decide what is best for each child.
Volunteers get to know the child by talking with everyone in that child’s life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them.
What do children gain from having a CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers are a source of hope and support for child victims as they navigate the courts and foster care system. Advocates help children access the services they need to heal from their abuse, and the information and recommendations CASA volunteers provide help to expedite the court process and provide better outcomes for children under the state’s protection. For many abused children, CASA is the only constant during a frightening, uncertain time. A CASA volunteer can make an immediate and critical impact on the life of a child.
Are CASA volunteers trained and supervised?
CASA volunteers undergo 30 hours of initial training and 12 hours of continuing education each year. Each volunteer advocate works with a CASA peer coach and staff supervisor who provides guidance throughout the court process.
Are volunteers really important to the court and child welfare process?
Yes! Judges depend on CASA volunteers to help keep them better informed about each child’s case. They want CASA volunteers on every case in their courts, but currently, CASA is currently serving approximately 60% of the children who need CASA volunteers. There is a child waiting for your help.
What kind of person is a CASA volunteer?
You do not have to be a lawyer or a social worker to be a volunteer. We welcome people from all walks of life. As a volunteer, you will be thoroughly trained and well supported to help you through each case. Volunteers must be 21 or older, undergo a background check and take part in a personal interview. Volunteer advocates are patient, open-minded people who have good communication skills, a history of following through on commitments and a willingness to accept guidance. Above all, they care about children.
How much time does it take to be a CASA volunteer?
It will generally range from 3-5 hours hours per week. Most of this time can be spent in evenings or on weekends, but there are approximately eight to ten court hearings per year, as well as phone calls and occasional meetings during working hours. To share the volunteer responsibilities, some volunteers partner with a friend, a spouse or other relative who also is a volunteer advocate. Learn more about the commitment of becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer.
Ready to stand up for the safety and well-being of a child?
See our training schedules and fill out the volunteer application.
Volunteer Opportunities include:
The role of a CASA explained in 3 minutes: