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Volunteer!
CASA Volunteers…
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things….
Role of the CASA Volunteer Advocate
CASA volunteer advocates are every-day citizens from all walks of life who are trained to advocate for the needs of neglected and abused children in critical court proceedings. These dedicated men and women work diligently to ensure that the needs of Roanoke’s most vulnerable population of children are not further neglected or compounded by an overwhelmed and unresponsive system. Teaming up with social workers, attorneys, foster parents, therapists, doctors, teachers, and the myriad of other individuals responsible for the care of foster kids, they labor to make certain the children for whom they are advocating have the best possible chance at a happy, healthy, and successful future. They believe that this is an opportunity every child deserves, because every child counts! More information on the qualities of a Volunteer Advocate.
What do CASA volunteers do?
CASA volunteers are thoroughly screened and receive 35+ hours of training on topics including child development, child abuse, sexual abuse, chemical dependency, the court system, cultural diversity and more. Once a volunteer completes the specialized training program they are sworn in as an officer of the juvenile and domestic relations court and can then begin their duties as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for a child or sibling group. The primary role of CASA volunteers is to establish a consistent and supportive relationship with the children for whom they are advocating. The reality for many children in foster care is that of changing social workers and foster parents and a host of other individuals coming in and out of their lives. CASA volunteers commit to 18 months of service as a child advocate, thus providing these children in need with one consistent and unchanging person to support them in their journey through the foster care system. As volunteers spend time with children, they are able to understand their specific needs and formulate recommendations to the court on their behalf. CASA volunteers are granted specific powers so they can quickly and effectively facilitate the well being of the children for whom they have been assigned.
The volunteer commitment is approximately 10-15 hours per month and involves interviewing all parties connected with the case, writing a factual report to the court and bringing that information to the courts. Volunteers are carefully guided throughout the process by the CASA staff and receive on-going training.
Judge Bounds with newly sworn in Advocates
CASA volunteers are an extremely important part of protecting children in our community. The work of our advocates makes a big difference in the life of a child and is a very satisfying experience for the volunteer.
Anyone interested in more information about this unique volunteer opportunity should contact the CASA office at 540-853-2407 or complete a volunteer application and return to the CASA office at the following address:
Roanoke Valley CASA Foundation
P. O. Box 35
Roanoke, Virginia 24002-0035
By becoming a CASA volunteer advocate you can:
- Experience the wonderful feeling of making a difference in the world, especially in the world of a child
- Gain life skills experience that enhances both your professional and personal perspectives
- Contribute to your community as a whole by helping to end the cycles of abuse, poverty, homelessness, and crime that bring children and families into the child welfare system
- Be a powerful voice in a child's life.