You can help a child at a frightening and bewildering time. You can help that child understand the confusing court process, present that child’s needs to the judge, and provide continuity for a child whose future is being determined by the Court.

You can Speak Up for a Child

Are you a mature, responsible adult?
Do you care about children?
Do you have good communications skills?
Do you have time to commit?
If you answered “yes” to the above questions, you could be a CASA volunteer.

What does it take to become a CASA volunteer?

Commitment
When you take on a case, you take on a child's future. If you can commit approximately ten to twelve hours per month for one year, you can make a positive difference in a child's life. It is hard work, but very gratifying.

Objectivity
CASA's role is to represent the best interests of the child. That may not always be what the child wants. CASA volunteers are particularly valuable to the Courts because they must be able to remain objective while gathering information from everyone involved in a child’s life.

Good communications skills
CASA volunteers must be able to talk with a wide variety of people from healthcare professionals to school officials to hurt, angry parents. The CASA volunteer must be willing to consistently communicate with family members and service providers and monitor the child’s progress. CASA volunteers present formal written reports to the court, sometimes speaking in the courtroom on behalf of the child's best interests.

Training
Applicants to CASA are carefully screened and then provided in-depth training on issues including the Family Court system; the child welfare system; family dynamics; the special needs of abused and neglected children; cultural awareness; as well as advocacy and interviewing techniques. Applicants must complete the thirty hour classroom training, as well as six hours of observations in the Albany and/or Rensselaer County Family Courts.
Volunteers are required to participate in 12 hours of in-service training that is provided throughout the year. Staff is available to discuss your case, offer guidance and make sure you get the support you need.

Who are the volunteers?
CASA volunteers are ordinary people who care about children. They come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. Some work full time, some part time; some are students; some retired; some do not work outside the home. No particular education or work experience is required.

Contact CASA about volunteering today.
For an application or additional information: Info@CapitalDistrictCasa.org

You can bring hope to a child’s life.