CASA Volunteer Advocate

About

Become a CASA Volunteer - Your Time Can Change a Child's Life!

Are you ready and passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children? Become a CASA with Allen County Office of GAL/CASA. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers play a crucial role in the lives of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. You will be able to give these children HOPE by being their VOICE!

Position Overview:CASA volunteers are trained community members appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of children and youth who have experienced abuse and/or neglect. By volunteering, you will work closely with social workers, attorneys and judges to advocate for the best interests of the child, determine their needs and make appropriate recommendations to the court that is best for the child’s wellbeing and permanency.

Key Responsibilities:

·Advocacy: Serve as the child’s voice in court and advocating for their best interests.

·Case Monitoring: Meet regularly with the child, their family and other professionals involved in the case to gather information.

·Report Writing: Prepare and submit detailed reports to the court, offering recommendations based on the child’s needs.

·Collaboration: Work closely with social workers, attorneys and direct supervisors to help develop a plan for the child’s future.

·Support: Provide emotional support and guidance to the child, ensuring they feel valued and supported throughout the process.

Qualifications:

·Must be 21 years or older.

·Strong communication skills and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

·Ability to maintain confidentiality and be objective.

·No prior legal experienced required; full training is provided.

·Must pass all required background checks.

Benefits of Volunteering:

·Training and Support: Receive thorough training to help you succeed in your role, as well as ongoing support from CASA staff.

·Flexible Commitment: The hours are flexible and can be tailored to fit your schedule. The average time commitment in this role is 5 hours per month.

·Make a lasting impact: Help Children in Need of Services to find stability and permanency through reunification or other permanency options.

·Community Engagement: Connect with other volunteers, legal professionals and make a significant difference in your community.

Join Us Today: Your commitment can change the life of a child and give them HOPE. Become a CASA volunteer and help ensure that children in the system have a chance at a brighter future.

If you are ready to make an impact, apply now!

Allen County CASA | Become a CASA

Yvonne.Nthiwa.Praet@allensuperiorcourt.us

Skills

• Case Work / Management
• Child Advocacy
• Child Development
• Child Welfare
• Counseling / Mental Health
• Youth Services

Requirements

• Driver's License Needed
• Orientation or Training
• Background Check
• Time Commitment:5 hours a month
• Other Requirements:Training and ongoing support provided
• Minimum Age:21

About the Organization

Every year more than half a million abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent, nurturing homes. That's where CASA steps in. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was created in 1977 to make sure the abuse and neglect these children originally suffered at home doesn't continue as abuse and neglect at the hands of the system. As trained advocates, CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court. The result is that a child is placed into a safe, loving home where he/she can thrive. It is the CASA vision to provide a volunteer for each and every abused and neglected child who needs one.