What CASAs Do : For Advocates : CASA of the Tennessee Valley

What Does a CASA Volunteer do?

CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interest of a neglected or abused child. The primary responsibilities of a CASA volunteer include the following:

Gather information: Review documents and records, interview the children, family members and other parties
Provide written reports at court hearings
Appear in court
Recommend services: Share concerns about the child’s health, education, mental health, etc.
Monitor case
Visit child(ren) monthly
Document hours/mileage

Time Commitment

Time commitment typically depends on the stage of the case. Volunteers report that there is a greater time commitment at the beginning of a case. While the CASA volunteer experience is generally flexible and scheduled at the volunteer’s convenience, occasionally there are mandatory court hearings or meetings during business hours. A typical volunteer spends:

30 hours in pre-service training (15 hours in person/15 hours online)
10-15 hours per month working on their case

Requirements

Be 21 years old
Completion of the volunteer application including references and background check
Participation in an interview
Completion of 30 hour pre-service training
Available for court appearances, with advance notice
Commitment to the CASA program for at least 1 year

Continuing Education and Support

Each CASA volunteer is assigned a staff supervisor who will be familiar with their case and available for ongoing support and supervision
CASA volunteers are generally assigned a peer mentor
In-service trainings are offered by CASA of the TN Valley on a quarterly basis
Peer support is available quarterly through our CASA to CASA (C2C) meetings
Social media pages are updated daily
CASA Bookclub through BookClubz to get more in-service hours

Continuing Education Resources

National CASA Webinar Library
National CASA Book List
Tough Love-PBS Documentary
Everyday Heroes
National CASA YouTube Channel
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Tennessee Voices For Children
Understanding Healthy vs. Unhealthy Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth
Success Beyond 18: Transitioning Youth to Adulthood
Sex Trafficking Awareness Videos
Behavioral Changes in Foster Care
Domestic Violence and It’s Impact on the Developing Child
Continuing Education Documentation Form

Our Vision: Seeing Every Child in a Safe, Permanent Home

CASA Volunteers help change children's lives every day.

76,756
Abused and neglected children had a CASA volunteer speaking up for their best interest in the last year.

250, 323
Children are waiting for a volunteer empowered to find them a safe, loving, permanent home.

452,000
Children in safer homes since 1977.

2 Million