Programs
Volunteers can select to participate from among just one or all of the following programs:
Standard Court Appointed Special Advocate C.A.S.A. program
Standard Court Appointed special Advocate and Education Rights Holder E.R.H.
Alumni Services Program volunteers
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA):
What is a CASA? A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer who is appointed by the judge to represent the best interests of a child/youth currently under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Dependency court.
What is the CASA Volunteer’s Role? A CASA volunteer provides a judge with recommendations that help the court make decisions about that child’s or youth’s future. Additionally, CASA’s mentor to the youth and help them obtain resources.
How Does a CASA Volunteer Investigate a Case? To prepare a court report, the CASA volunteer talks with the child or youth, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers, and others who may be involved in the youth’s life. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child, i.e. school, medical, caseworker reports and other documents as necessary.
Is There a “Typical” CASA Volunteer? CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Aside from their CASA volunteer work, 85% are employed in regular full-time jobs. 2/3 of the volunteers nationwide are women, 1/3 are men.
How Much Time Does it Require? A CASA volunteer usually spends a minimum of 10-15 hours per month on their assigned case.
Educational Advocacy Program
A C.A.S.A. Volunteer can also be designated as the educational rights holder for the child/youth they are currently appointed to in order to make educational decisions for their youth.
The Role of the Educational Advocate includes but may not be limited to:
- Meeting with their child/youth to assess their educational needs
- Ensure that the child's/youth's educational rights are being met
- Working with the school (teachers, counselors, administrators, and school board members) regarding the student’s educational needs and/or educational program
- Facilitating collaborative interaction between the school and other agencies that work with the student
- Reporting the child’s educational progress and needs to the Court on a bi-annual basis
- Participating in school meetings (Optional): such as PTA, Home/School Club, school board meetings, parent advisory committee meetings
