Volunteer with Mesilla Valley CASA
No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We encourage people from all cultures and professions, and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds. Once accepted into the program, you will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system, and the special needs of abused and neglected children.
Requirements include:
-
Be 21 years old.
-
Be willing to complete necessary background checks, provide references, and participate in an interview.
-
Complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training.
-
Be available for court appearances, with advance notice.
-
Be willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed, usually 12-18 months.
How much time does it take to be a CASA volunteer?
All volunteers must complete a 30-hour pre-service training. The time commitment to a case varies depending upon the stage of the case. Volunteers sometimes say that there is a greater amount of work in the beginning of the case, when they are conducting their initial research. On average, you can expect to spend approximately 10 hours a month on a case.
Exactly what does a CASA volunteer do?
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court and other settings. The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer are to:
-
Gather information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members, and professionals in their lives.
-
Document findings: Provide written reports at court hearings.
-
Appear in court: Advocate for the child's best interests and provide testimony when necessary.
-
Explain what is going on: Help the child understand the court proceedings.
-
"Be the glue": Seek cooperative solutions among individuals and organizations involved in the children's lives. As one volunteer said: Be the glue that connects the pieces in a complicated child welfare system.
-
Recommend services: Ensure that the children and their family are receiving appropriate services and advocate for those that are not immediately available. Bring concerns about the child's health, education, mental health, etc. to the appropriate professionals.
-
Monitor case plans and court orders: Check to see that plans are being followed and mandated review hearings are being held.
-
Keep the court informed: Update the court on developments with agencies and family members. Ensure that appropriate motions are filed on behalf of the child so the court knows about any changes in the child's situation.
What sort of support will I receive?
You will be supported every step of the way by your case supervisor. You will have opportunities for continuing education locally through Mesilla Valley CASA and have access to online resources provided by the National CASA Association, including a resource library, national Facebook community and national conference.
VOLUNTEER AS A CHILD ADVOCATE.
Be this someone. Be their advocate. Be a powerful voice.
Be a CASA.
Have more questions?
whether you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, donating to our cause, or you would like to collaborate with Mesilla Valley CASA, please feel free to email or call us with any question. You can also check out our resources page for more information about the work we do, why we do it, and how you can help.
Being a CASA at Different Stages of Childhood
From infancy to young adulthood, the children that we serve at Mesilla Valley CASA have different needs. As a CASA, these are a few examples of the concerns we follow in each case depending on developmental stages.
Infancy and Toddler
In a case with an infant or toddler, a CASA can expect:
-
To work through concerns around the child's developmental milestones.
-
To check in with early intervention services (i.e., speech and language, occupational, physical therapy, infant mental health, etc.)
-
Advocate for parents to be involved in parenting classes
School Age
In a case with school age children, a CASA can expect:
-
To be involved in school meetings, parent teacher conferences, IEPs, etc.
-
Advocate for extracurricular activties for the child.
-
Advocate for behavioral and mental health services and support.
Adolescence
In a case with adolescents or young adults, a CASA can expect:
-
Support the youth as they can start to make their own decisions in their case at age 14.
-
Be involved in their academics.
-
advocate for support as youth prepare to age out of care.
-
Advocate for behavioral and mental health services and support.
Subscribe to CASA's email list to stay connected and up to date on the work CASA is doing to serve our community!