Come join us to learn about how to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to advocate for Delaware's abused and neglected children
About this Event

Do you live in Delaware? Do you want to be part of an amazing organization that advocates for children? Then come learn about how to become a CASA Volunteer.

The role of a CASA Volunteer:

· Gathers information and reviews records in relation to the child and family

* Interviews the child and other parties in the case.

· Submits written reports of his or her findings to the CASA Coordinator and Child Attorney.

· Advocates for the child he or she represents in Family Court proceedings and in the community.

· Monitors the case until permanency is achieved for the child he or she represents.

2. Time commitment:

· Conducts monthly visits with the child in the child’s home and observes the child with significant others.

· Commits at least one year to the Program (a case can run up to a year or longer).

· Completes a minimum of 30 hours of training prior to being sworn in and assigned a case. Most trainings are a combination of day and early evening. A training is typically held in each county in the fall and spring. Summer and winter trainings are added as needed.

· Completes a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training each year. There are monthly trainings in each county available to CASA Volunteers to help meet this requirement.

· Attends daytime hearings in Family Court and daytime meetings in the community. Monthly child visits can be scheduled to meet the CASA Volunteer and child’s needs.

3. Qualifications necessary:

· Communicates well orally and in writing.

· Relates to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural and educational) in a variety of settings.

· Keeps information obtained about the child and family through court and other avenues confidential.

· Has personal transportation available to attend court, child visits, trainings and meetings in the community. Reimbursement is not guaranteed, and a CASA Volunteer is not permitted to transport his or her assigned child.

· Possesses a basic understanding of child development and family relationships.

4. Program support:

· Receives initial training and ongoing in-service trainings.

· Receives regular communication and support from his or her assigned CASA Coordinator and Child Attorney for case guidance.

· Receives assistance from the CASA Coordinator with records requests.