Volunteers

• The Need for Volunteers
• Volunteer Job Description
• Volunteer Application Form
• Update Information Form
• Volunteer FAQ
• Training Calendar
• Continuing Education Opportunities
• Monthly Case Update
• Volunteer Appreciation Events
• Fostering Connections Act
• Volunteer Training Manual
• Statutes
• Face Sheet
• Filing Instructions
• Program Staff
• Resources for Active Volunteers
• Court Holidays

The Need for Volunteers

Jackson County CASA offers a volunteer opportunity like no other. As officers of the court, CASA volunteers—also known as volunteer guardians ad litem (GALs)—are empowered to make a lifelong difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.

Last year, more than 230 CASA volunteers advocated for 708 children in Jackson County jurisdiction—an impressive number, yet just a third of the children who pass through the child welfare system each year.

Our volunteers are an amazing force for good, but we need more of them. Our vision is that every child who needs a volunteer will have one. In 2009, we want to advocate for 750 children and by 2010 our goal is to help 50% of all children in the system. With your help, we can reach that goal.

Read more about our volunteers and their passion for helping children below

The Volunteer Commitment

People who give their time to CASA advocacy come from many different places. Some have years of education and professional experience working for children and families. Some have themselves grown up in the foster care system and felt the sorrow of having to move from home to home.

Being a CASA volunteer does not require any special education or background, simply the desire to help abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes. Volunteer advocates are asked to dedicate themselves to a case until it is closed (the average case lasts about a year and a half).

Advocates are supervised every step of the way and always have resources readily available.

What does it take to become a CASA volunteer?

The first step: Complete an application. When we receive your completed application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview appointment. 

In addition:
Every volunteer must pass a background check and participate in a 30-hour training course.
After successfully completing the training, volunteer are assigned their first case. A volunteer’s average time commitment to a case is approximately 10 hours per month.

Note: Interviews must be completed prior to the commencement of training. Please submit your application for consideration as soon as possible.