Children and families in the child protection system need people like you.

Click here to learn about Bill’s journey of becoming a volunteer.

Volunteer Your Time to Change a Child’s Life

Nobody longs for a safe and loving family more than a child in foster care. As a CASA volunteer, you are empowered by the courts to help make this dream a reality. You will be the one consistent adult in these children’s lives, vigilantly fighting for and protecting their fundamental right to be treated with the dignity and respect every child deserves. You will not only bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children, but also their children and generations to come. And in doing so, you will enrich your life as well.

Qualifications:

1. Must be 21 years or older.
2. Must pass all screening procedures including: information session, written application with three to four personal/professional references, personal interview, and review of applicant’s criminal, traffic and child protection records.
3. Must have sufficient time available to complete initial training and then commit to completion of the assigned case. (Cases average 18 months in length and advocates spend about 10 to 12 hours per month fulfilling their duties.)

Responsibilities:

1. Respect a child’s inherent right to grow up with dignity in a safe environment that meets that child’s best interests.
2. Ensure that the child’s best interests are represented at every stage of the case.
3. Complete all initial and ongoing training.
4. Report any new incidents of child abuse or neglect to appropriate authorities.
5. Review pertinent records pertaining to the child.
6. Maintain weekly contact with the assigned child and contact as needed with relevant others
   (e.g. parents, relatives, foster parents, social workers, AODA staff, school personnel, mental health providers, etc.)
7. Provide written monthly reports in a timely and appropriate manner to the CASA of the Fox Cities Inc. (CASAFC) staff.
8. Confer with the CASAFC staff and case social worker to keep them apprised of the child’s status or any need for change.
9. Attend court hearings and staff meetings pertaining to the child, and potentially provide testimony on the child’s behalf.
10. Maintain all standards of confidentiality in relation to the case.
11. Exhibit professionalism in behavior and appearance.
12. Abide by the policies and procedures identified in the CASAFC Policy and Procedure manual.

Training:

CASAFC advocate volunteers will complete pre-service training which consists of the following: in-person and independent guided learning for a minimum of 30 hours; remote observation of court proceedings; and, be sworn in by a judge. Additionally, 12 hours of in-service training are required annually. The in-service training requirement is prorated the first year, based on the month the advocate is sworn-in.

Supervision:
CASAFC volunteers will be supervised and supported by a staff member. While active on a case, volunteers and supervisors will connect at least monthly. Small group discussions will also be offered allowing advocates to share and learn from each other.