Volunteer

What is CASA?

CASA is the Court Appointed Special Advocate program. It is a non-profit organization that initiated in Will County in 1993. The program recruits, trains and supervises volunteers to represent the best interests of children in abuse and neglect cases in Will and Grundy Counties. CASA volunteers act as the voices of these children, helping to navigate the juvenile court system and ensuring their needs are met. CASAs become their children’s primary sources of hope for finding safe, permanent homes.

Who can be a CASA?

• Adult (prefer at least age 23).
• Must demonstrate general computer competency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Pass a criminal history check, personal reference checks and a personal interview.
• Complete 33 hours of pre-service training.

• Have a sincere interest in the welfare of children, good verbal and written communication skills.

• Have some flexibility with your schedule, and the time to serve as a child’s advocate.

How do I apply to become a CASA?

Anyone may apply to serve as an advocate for the CASA/GAL program by submitting an online application. We ask that you provide three references. Applications are reviewed by CASA staff, and if a candidate seems to be a good fit, they will be asked to schedule a video interview.

What does A CASA do?

How much time is involved?

A CASA’s volunteer time varies with each case, and each week. Hours are flexible, except when a court hearing is scheduled. A CASA can expect to spend approximately 5 hours a month working on a case. The majority of CASA volunteers have full or part-time jobs and are able to meet their advocacy responsibilities. Due to the sensitive nature of our work with children, we ask our volunteers to provide a 2 year commitment.

How does CASA benefit the children?

• A CASA volunteer has one case at a time and can dedicate sole attention to his, her, or their particular child(ren).
• A CASA can often bring a “common sense” point of view to the juvenile courts system and can offer an independent perspective to the case.
• Studies have shown that a child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to achieve permanency than a child without.
• Children with a CASA are more likely to find a safe, permanent home and are half as likely to re-enter foster care.
• A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to graduate high school.
• CASA volunteers provide consistency and stability for the child throughout the proceedings. The judge may change, caseworkers may change, but the CASA may be the only consistent person a child has throughout the court process.