Thank you for
inquiring about the most rewarding and empowering volunteer
opportunity that exists to make a difference in an abused
child’s life.
In the 20th
Judicial District over 150 children are placed in foster care
because they cannot safely live with their families.
CASA connects
these children with volunteer advocates who are assigned to one
or two cases at a time, providing a dedicated focus on the needs
of one child or sibling group. CASA volunteers gather
information about the children by talking with teachers,
doctors, attorneys, therapists and anyone else involved in the
children’s life. They also get to know the children by spending
time with them and building a trusting relationship. Volunteer
advocates then make recommendations to the court based on what
they believe is best for the children on their case, helping the
judge make informed decisions about each child’s future.
The scheduling of volunteer activities is flexible. CASA
volunteers commit to spending 10-15 hours per month, on one
case, for at least one year. With the exception of approximately
eight scheduled meetings or hearings per year, the volunteer
determines how and when to spend their volunteer time. In
addition, each volunteer is paired with a staff professional for
support and guidance.