How does CASA become involved in a case?
Only a Family Court Judge can assign CASA to a case. On occasion, the children’s or parent’s attorneys, or the caseworkers’ attorney, may request that the Judge assign CASA.

To what types of cases is CASA assigned?
CASA is assigned to children already in the foster care system or to those at risk of entering foster care as a result of abuse, neglect and/or the parent's/guardian's inability to care for the child.

How old are the children involved?
CASA may be assigned to children ranging in age from newborn up to age 18.

What are the responsibilities of a CASA volunteer?
The role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate is different than a mentor or friend. Advocates make thorough investigations into Family Court matters by speaking with all parties involved in the case and submitting formal written reports to the Court. The goal of CASA is to move children efficiently through the child welfare system into safe, permanent homes where they can thrive.

Is travel involved?
Locally, yes. CASA volunteers make home visits and attend court hearings, as well as agency and school conferences.

Do CASA volunteers work by themselves?
Most of the time, volunteers work alone; however, home visits are always done in pairs, and staff is available to accompany volunteers to Court or professional meetings when appropriate. In addition, volunteers maintain constant contact with staff for support and supervision.

What educational or work experience is required to become a CASA volunteer?
No one specific type of background is required. All CASA volunteers must have the time to devote to the case; the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing; and must complete approximately 30 hours of classroom training and 6 hours of courtroom observation.

How does a CASA volunteer differ from a Social Services caseworker?
Albany County Department of Children Youth and Families and Rensselaer County Department of Social Services are child and family-centered county agencies that provide protection and care to children in need. Caseworkers are employed by the county to provide services to strengthen family life and to enable children to remain safe in their own homes, or to reunite them with their parents if they are already in foster care. The CASA volunteer does not replace a caseworker or social worker on the case, but is an independent appointee of the court who monitors both the actions of the family and the case plan activity, with only the best interests of the child at heart.

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 an attorney: in New York State, all children involved in Family Court proceedings are appointed their own attorney, known as a Law Guardian, who provides legal representation. Instead, the CASA advocates for the best interests of the child. The CASA provides crucial background information that assists judges in making the best decision for the child.

How much time will I be expected to contribute each month?
Each volunteer and each case is different. The amount of time devoted to a case depends on the specific family and the amount of time the volunteer has available. Volunteers devote an average of ten to twelve hours per month. As cases unfold, the demands of research, interviews and report writing will vary. Some weeks will be busier than others. CASA volunteers may take leave when personal situations prevent them from devoting the necessary time to a family.

How many children will I be working with?
The strength of CASA is the appointment of one volunteer to devote the time and attention to a case that each child deserves. Each volunteer works with one family at a time: that may be one child, or several children in the same family. Occasionally, a volunteer may take on another family if the first situation is close to resolution.

How effective is CASA?
Judges have noted the value of the information that CASA brings to the proceedings and are appreciative of the unique perspective presented by CASA volunteers. In addition, national studies show that a child who has been assigned a CASA volunteer is more likely to secure needed services in a timely manner; is moved from placement to placement less frequently;
is more likely to have his/her case reviewed regularly by the court; and has a better chance of living in a safe, permanent home than those who do not have CASA representation.

How is CASA funded?
Capital District CASA is a program of Mediation Matters, Inc., a private a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization funded through a combination of private and public funds. CASA’s operating budget is a combination of individual and corporate contributions; public and private grant monies; as well as revenue from program fundraising efforts. CASA receives no guaranteed funding from any source.

How are prospective volunteers screened?
To be accepted into a training session, prospective volunteers must complete the application form (providing three non-relative character references), give permission for a background check, and participate in an initial interview. Following classroom training, the prospective volunteer may participate in a final interview to determine if CASA is the right volunteer opportunity for them.

Do CASA volunteers work in addition to volunteering on a case?
Most CASA volunteers work full or part-time, some are retired, and some do not work outside the home. Daytime availability and flexibility are essential. Much of the work of the advocates will be gathering information from caseworkers, attorneys and other professionals who work business hours. Therefore, it is important to be able to reach them in their offices.

How long is my commitment to CASA?
Advocates at CASA are asked to make a one-year commitment and may renew their commitments annually. The average advocate volunteers with CASA for two to three years, and some have been with us for eight years or more.

How do I become a CASA?
Contact us for additional information. After returning your application, staff will contact you to schedule an interview. Background checks will be conducted, and, if accepted into the program, you will be notified of the next available training schedule. The thirty-hour volunteer training sessions are held three times annually. Please check our Calendar for information.