CASA volunteers are assigned to a case with a foster child by a Family Court Judge. The CASA volunteer conducts thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing documents, interviewing all parties involved. They make reports to the court and provide information that will help the judge make an informed decision for the child in foster care.

CASA volunteers can also be instrumental in assuring that a child or family receives services which the court has ordered - things like physical and mental health care, substance abuse counseling or special education.

During the life of a case, a CASA volunteer monitors the child's situation to make sure he or she remains safe. CASA volunteers may be the only constant in the child's life as they move through the labyrinth of the child welfare system.

All CASA volunteers work closely with a supervisor, who is available to appear in court with the volunteer or if the volunteer is unavailable, in place of the volunteer.

Prospective volunteer advocates complete a minimum of 30 hours of initial training and observe a court proceeding. Initial training includes policies and procedures of the CASA program, Administration for Children's Services and Family Court; dynamics of human behavior associated with child abuse and neglect; relevant local, state and federal law; permanency planning and family preservation; cultural diversity; communication and interviewing skills and roles and responsibilities of an advocate.

Volunteers must be over 21 and complete a criminal background check, sex-offender registry check, and State Central Registry (SCR) check.

This opportunity is sponsored by: CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers

Adults (18-54) Large Group (11+) Adults (55+) Small Group (2-10) Individual Unpaid Interns

Contact Person:
Megan Brown-Kennedy, Director Of Training And Advocate Services, (212) 334-4010 ex. 123, (email)

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Address:

50 Broadway, 31st Floor New York, NY 10004 (See a map)

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 1, R, W to Rector St. 4, 5 to Wall St. J, M, Z to Broad St.,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5

Miscellaneous Information

Borough
	Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island
Volunteer Shifts
	CASA volunteers must make a commitment to work at least a minimum of 5 hours per week for 1 year. The 5 hours is very flexible.