Volunteer
How to Become a CASA Volunteer
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. While there are no special educational requirements, volunteers must meet the following qualifications:
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Complete an application and submit references
- Go through a screening process that includes an interview and a criminal background check
- Complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training
- Secure 3 hours of continuing education each year
Responsibilities of a CASA Volunteer
A CASA volunteer has four primary responsibilities:
- Research a child’s circumstances, interview those who know the child’s history, review appropriate records, determine relevant facts in a child’s case, and provide written reports containing those facts and resulting recommendations to the Court
- Facilitate fulfilling the child’s needs by identifying resources and services for the child, and by supporting a collaborative working relationship
- Advocate for a child by speaking up for the child in Court as to what actions the CASA volunteer believes will serve the child’s best interests
- Monitor the case and keep track of whether the child’s court-ordered service plan is being fulfilled in accordance with the orders of the Court
Contacting Richland County CASA
Becoming a CASA volunteer is an investment of time, energy, and heart. To become a volunteer or to learn more about this meaningful volunteer opportunity, please call Brooke Henwood, Director of CASA/GAL, at (419) 774-5802, or email bhenwood@rcjcoh.us.