How does a CASA volunteer investigate a case?
There are many ways to investigate a case, the majority of the time the volunteer talks with the child and the child's biological parents, family members, social worker, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about his or her history and/or current situation. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child -- school, medical, caseworker reports, etc.
 
Do lawyers, judges and social caseworkers support CASA ?
Yes. Dependency court judges implement the CASA program in their courtrooms and appoint volunteers. CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice. Judges, attorneys and case workers say that CASA volunteers often have the most up-to-date information about the case, this helps all parties to the case make the most informed decision about the child's best interests.
 
How does a CASA volunteer differ from a social service caseworker?
Social workers generally are employed by state governments. They work on many cases at a time and their caseload is often overwhelming. As a result social service caseworkers are frequently unable to conduct a comprehensive investigation of each of their cases. Alternatively, the CASA volunteer has a smaller caseload (on average 1-2 cases at a time) and more time to dedicate to the needs of the child. The CASA volunteer does not replace a social worker on a case; he or she is an independent appointee of the court. The CASA volunteer can thoroughly examine a child's case, has knowledge of community resources, and can make a recommendation to the court independent of state agency restrictions.
 
How does the role of a CASA volunteer differ from an attorney? 
The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation. That is the role of the attorney. However, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. It is important to remember that CASA volunteers do not represent a child's wishes in court. Rather, they tell the court what the child's wishes are, and exercise their own independent judgement to determine whether those wishes are actually in the best interest of the child.

How effective have CASA programs been?
Research shows that children wtih CASA volunteers spend less time in court, spend less time in the foster care system, and do better in school than those who do not have CASA advocates. Also, CASA children often have better chances of finding permanent homes than non- CASA children.
 
What children are assigned CASA volunteers?
Children who are victims of abuse and neglect who have become wards of the court are assigned CASA volunteers. The program is most common in juvenile and family court cases.

How many cases does a CASA volunteer carry at a time?
On average a CASA volunteer carries one case at a time.

What is the time commitment for a CASA volunteer?
The initial training is approximately 30 hours of classroom time and four hours of courtroom observation. Once the volunteer is appointed to a case he/she spends about 10 hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. On average, volunteers work about 10-15 hours a month.

How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved with a case?
A CASA volunteer continues with the case until the case is permanently resolved. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that the CASA volunteer is a consistent figure in child's life.

What do children gain from having a CASA volunteer?
Decisions are made every day which affect the lives of children in foster care. CASA volunteers help these decisions to be made more promptly and with greater information and sensitivity to their individual needs. CASA volunteers work for quicker, better outcomes, and provide children in foster care with the knowledge that there is a community around them that cares.
How does the CASA volunteer relate to the child he or she represents?
CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They explain to the child the events that are happening in their lives. CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes, while remaining objective observers.
Are CASA volunteers trained and supervised?
Yes. CASA has a training program of 30 hours of classroom training plus four hours of courtroom observation. During training, many local social service and legal service providers speak to the volunteers. The community representation throughout the training is an excellent preparation tool for future CASA work. All volunteers are matched with a supervisor who is a member of the CASA staff. CASA supervisors provide individual guidance, support and accompaniment to the volunteer during the volunteer's time as a CASA .

Are volunteers really important in the child welfare process?
Definitely. CASA could not serve the children without its many dedicated volunteers. Courts all over the country depend on their local CASA volunteers to help inform and expedite the child welfare process. Judges implement the CASA program in their jurisdictions and appoint CASA volunteers to as many cases as possible. Department of Human Services includes CASA in meetings, visits and other proceedings. CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the office of Juvenile Justice and delinquency Department of Justice.

How does CASA feel about family reunification after child abuse?
CASA holds the safety of children as its highest priority. A child's best chance for love and protection is often with his or her birth family, and CASA is supportive of reunification when it is in the best interest of the children involved. However, CASA will only advocate for children to return home if they can do so safely, receiving the love, stability and protection they deserve.

Do CASA volunteers wield authority in child welfare cases?
Volunteer advocates have court-mandated access to certain information and proceedings, but they do not have authority to decide outcomes. Rather, they rely on their communication skills, their informed recommendations and the respect of the courts to influence outcomes.
 
Are there any other agencies or groups that provide the same service?
There are other pro bono child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the only national program using carefully screened and trained community volunteers who are appointed by the court to represent a child's best interests.
 
Can I include my family in my volunteer work?
Only trained volunteers are able to volunteer with the children we serve. Married/couple volunteers are very beneficial to CASA . Children in foster care are assured a degree of confidentiality, and the friends and family of advocates are not allowed to meet them or to know their identity. Only volunteers who have been fully screened, trained and sworn in as officers of the court may have contact with CASA children.
 
What are the drawbacks of being a CASA volunteer?
Being a CASA volunteer is both rewarding and challenging. The child welfare system is bureaucratic and overburdened, and advocates often have to work hard to get the system to respond. Because of court decisions, social service plans, and other factors out of our control, the volunteer can face disappointments. However, many volunteers feel a sense of purpose knowing that they helped a child through the system.
 
How is CASA funded?
At the local level, CASA programs are generally funded through a combination of private and public funds.
 
What do I have to do to become a CASA volunteer?
To become a CASA volunteer, complete a volunteer application and return it to the CASA office.