Become a CASA
Our CASA volunteers are vital to our mission to serve children in foster care, and help us better ensure their safety, happiness, and well-being. You can make a lasting impact on the life of a child. If you are interested in being trained to be a CASA, click the link below to begin the application process. Together, we can transform lives and improve the child welfare system.
Steps to Becoming a CASA
-
Fill out an online application.
Be 21 years of age or older.
Provide 4 references with email addresses.
Provide your driver’s license number for the mandatory background check.
You must complete the application in a single session; you will not be able to save and return to it later.
-
Our Training Director will contact you to schedule an interview. The interview is an opportunity for CASA staff to get to know the applicant and learn more about why they want to be a CASA. The interview is part of the screening process and ensures a good fit. During the interview, CASA staff will talk through the expectations of a the CASA role and answer your questions.
Applicants must successfully pass screening, background checks, and fingerprint requirements prior to training.
-
Angelina, Polk and Houston Counties all offer training throughout the year. We at CASA understand that each trainee has other responsibilities, so we work to fit training into each person's time and schedule.
CASA of the Pines works to make training fun! Each training session is full of discussion and different activities, such as guest speakers, presentations, videos, and much more.
Once you successfully complete the training and 1 hour of court room observation you will then be sworn in by a judge.
-
Be able to keep information confidential and work within established program guidelines.
Be able to serve at least 12 months of your time (average 10-15 hours per month).
Visit with the child on at least a monthly basis.
Interview all parties associated with the case.
Attend court hearings to testify as to the best interest of the child.
What Does Training Look Like?
Before being sworn in by a judge, each volunteer must complete 30 hours of classroom training. This pre-service training will equip you with the solid base of knowledge you need to powerfully and compassionately advocate for a child that has been abused or neglected. In addition to gaining an understanding of the child protection system and the CASA volunteer role, you will also learn about trauma and resilience, efforts at improving our systems, cultural competence and much more. This training is:
Fun and engaging;
Flexible (we work around your schedule);
Hybrid model - most of the training can be completed online and via Zoom, so you don’t have to worry about fitting it into your schedule. We know you are busy!
Grants an opportunity to meet others with similar goals, outlooks, and values;
A great volunteer opportunity that allows you to really make an impact on the life of a child;
Enriching - this training will teach you things you may not know about your community or about the child welfare system. This knowledge is invaluable to your ability to make a positive difference in your community.
A great addition to your resume for recent college graduates or those who may be looking to explore a career in non-profits that serve children.
Still have questions?
We get it. You’re a busy person, and you want to be sure that you have the time to commit to CASA’s important mission. Watch the video below to learn more about the lasting impact that CASA volunteers have on the lives of foster youth. You could be that person for a child, so contact us today to get started.
Don’t just read about us. Meet us.
-
Information Sessions.
Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 12:30 - 1:00 PM
This floating zoom session will provide information about CASA and the process in which our volunteers advocate for children who have been abused and neglected.
CASA staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions you may have about our program. This is a great first step to seeing if this opportunity is the right fit for you!
-
1:1 Coffee Break.
TBD
Interested in hearing more about the volunteer process and who we are? Reach out today to schedule a coffee break with our recruiter and trainer at a time and day that works best for you. You can get all your questions answered and even start the process, all over a cup of coffee. Contact us today to schedule your 1:1 Coffee Break.
-
Upcoming Trainings.
Ongoing
New volunteers have the opportunity to train to be a CASA on their own time, which is why training is always ongoing. Volunteers learn to be a CASA through a combination of online work that can be completed at your own pace and face-to-face or virtual meetings. These trainings give you the opportunity to not only give back to your community, but also gain new connections. Reach out today to get started!