Who is a CASA?

A CASA volunteer is an ordinary person who does extraordinary things for a child in foster care.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA volunteers) are trained and committed volunteers who ensure that each child’s individual needs remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system. 

CASA volunteers are citizens from all walks of life. They are dedicated to promoting the needs of children who have been removed from their parents' care due to neglect or abuse.  Meet some of our advocates and hear in their own words why they volunteer as a CASA. 

​What a CASA does

CASA volunteers do what no one else does - they listen to the child, get to know everyone in the child’s life and then advocate for the best interest of that child in court. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. ​

FIND OUT MORE!  More online Zoom virtual information sessions starting in June 2021. Email us at [email protected] for more details!

How to become a CASA

  • Call 541.389.1618 ext. 1 or email [email protected], for information about online Info Sessions and the training process
  • Fill out and submit an online volunteer application
  • Have a pre-training interview with CASA staff to determine eligibility
  • Complete volunteer training of 36 hours of classroom time, 4 hours of courtroom observation, and a personal interview with a Circuit Court Judge
  • Upon the successful completion of training, you will be sworn in as an officer of the court and are ready to be appointed your first case!
Sign up for the next advocate training!
Session 3: Mondays from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m., August 30 through October 18, Location TBD

Session 4 (in-person): Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., September 2 through October 21, Eastside Foursquare Church, Prineville

Volunteer commitment

CASA volunteers spends 10-15 hours per month on one specific case for at least two years. They research the case, talk with everyone involved and build a trusting relationship with the child or family of children. CASAs prepare reports to the court based on the child's best interests, which help the judge make the most informed decision possible. The schedule of a CASA volunteer is fairly flexible and each one is paired with a staff professional that supports and guides them every single step of the way.
"My CASA encouraged me to dream big and to never give up on my dreams. I don't know where I would have ended up without her help. She reminded me that my voice had value and should be heard."                                 --Erin, age 16
Please Note:  Due to the sensitive nature of this work, extensive background checks are conducted, including fingerprints, criminal and child welfare checks, and letters of personal reference.  ​