Last year nearly 500 children in Essex County spend time in foster care.
They are removed from their home due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, separated from their family, and find themselves in a world filled with professionals they don’t know. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is committed volunteers who work diligently to make sure these children receive the services they need while in foster care.
WHAT A VOLUNTEER DOES:
Being a CASA is a unique volunteer experience, one where you will make a difference in the life of a child. Working one-on-one with children in foster care, you give them a voice. CASA volunteers advocate for a child’s best interest. Volunteers work to collaborate with others involved in the child’s life, conduct an assessment of the child’s needs, make recommendations on the child’s behalf, and provide critical information to the court to assist judges in making timely and informed decisions.
ELIGIBILITY
You do not need any special skills to be a CASA volunteer. You just need desire to help change a child’s story, a valid driver's license, be at least 21, clear a background check, basic computer skills and the ability to communicate orally and in writing. CASA for Children of Essex County provides equal opportunities to all volunteers and volunteer applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
5 Step Process:
Step 1:
Attend a monthly Information Session. You can also email info@casaessex.org
Step 2:
Complete an online application.
Step 3:
Complete all of your pre-training paperwork, including an interview and background check.
Step 4:
Sign-up for the next training session.
Step 5:
After a full training and all of your paperwork is completed and cleared, you are sworn in as an official Court Appointed Special Advocate and will be appointed your first case.
Training
Training times vary from day to evening and various days of the week. The training curriculum, developed by the National CASA Association and facilitated by our staff and customized for our local geographical region will guide you through the role of the volunteer, the child welfare system, needs and development of children, trauma, mental health, poverty, professional communication, cultural competence, educational needs and permanency. All of these resources and tools will help prepare you to advocate for a child, or children, living in foster care.
Info Sessions
Learn how you can train to be a volunteer advocate for foster youth through our Zoom info session!
Upcoming Dates
Friday, April 26th at 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 1st at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday, May 10th at 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, May 14th at 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 23rd at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, May 28th at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Begin your application
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us at CASA for Children of Essex County as a Court Appointed Special Advocate! Your application is part of a mutual screening process that helps us assess your suitability to serve as a volunteer. All responses are for internal use only.
Please note that there is no save feature available; to avoid losing any data, please complete the application in one session. Before you begin, we recommend that you gather the following information:
Volunteer history (if any)
Employment history (if any)
Complete contact information for 3 references. References must be submitted by someone who has known you for at least a year and can speak to your ability to serve in this role. Family references are not accepted. One reference must be from a current or previous supervisor.
Following review of your application, a member of our staff will contact you regarding next steps. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Alexis at apugliese@casaessex.org.
We look forward to learning more about you and thank you for your dedication to improving the lives of children in foster care.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ What is a CASA volunteer?
CASA volunteers are community members who want to make a difference in the life of a child in foster care by becoming an advocate on the child’s behalf. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. No particular background or work experience is necessary. You must be at least 21 years old to volunteer.
+ How does a CASA investigate a case?
A CASA volunteer will read Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) case files and other records, visit the child once a month, and interview other parties involved in the child’s life (such as resource parents, school personnel, and medical and mental health professionals) to become familiar with the child and their needs. After gathering information, volunteers write a court report, including recommendations, and attend court hearings.
+ How many cases does a volunteer typically have?
As a volunteer, you will be asked to take one case. Depending on your comfort level and availability, you may choose to take an additional case.
+ What is the time commitment?
Most CASAs spend between 10 and 15 hours a month on their case. Many of the activities required for the role can be done at your convenience.
+ How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved?
CASA volunteers commit to serving at least 2 years. The consistency that CASAs provide is incredibly important for the youth we serve.
+ What are the requirements for becoming a volunteer advocate?
All volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and be able to pass criminal and child abuse registry background checks. Volunteers should have strong written and verbal communication skills, be able to work independently and take initiative, and be comfortable using computer technology such as email and word processing software.
+ What support is provided to CASA volunteers?
CASA volunteers work in partnership with an Advocate Supervisor who will help you plan your investigation, identify necessary resources, and provide support.
Training Schedule
Trainees must attend ALL sessions listed below to be sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
Volunteer Advocates will select either day or evening tracks for the duration of their training.
Training Calendar
The training calendar includes upcoming training dates and links for active volunteer advocates.
If you are an active volunteer advocate, click below, and enter the password to view the calendar.
Real Stories
Why I Am A CASA
Click through the collection below to read the Summer Series: Why I am a CASA.
Volunteer Spotlight of the Month
Each month we honor an extra special volunteer advocate by learning more about them.
Check back here monthly to read about our next Volunteer Spotlight of the Month.
Am I qualified to be a CASA volunteer…
+ If I have no experience with youth in foster care or the legal system?
Yes! No prior experience with the foster care or court system is needed. We will provide you with the training and ongoing support you need.
+ If I want to adopt or foster a child?
Many people become CASA volunteers because they are interested in fostering or adopting a child at a later point in time. You may not become a CASA while you are approved to foster (even if there are no approved children currently living in your home) or while you seek adoption through the Essex County courts. If you are a former foster parent or your adoption process is closed, you are welcome to apply to the CASA program.
+ If I may get a new job, graduate from school, or start a graduate program in the near future?
It depends on whether your schedule will allow you to make your CASA commitment a priority. Please email Marisol at mgarcia@casaessex.org or call (973) 622-4834 if you’d like to discuss your individual situation.
+ If I work full time Monday through Friday, and it isn’t easy for me to get away from work?
Many of our volunteers work full time, though some flexibility is required. As a CASA, you can expect to spend between 10-15 hours a month on your case. Many aspects of the role can be arranged according to your schedule, while others require some daytime availability. For example, volunteers are present at court hearings and attend meetings with professionals. In most cases you will have advance notice, but you may need to plan on adjusting your schedule. We recommend discussing this opportunity with your employer; many are supportive after learning about the program.
+ If I like to travel?
Unless you frequently travel for extensive periods, your vacations are unlikely to interfere with your advocacy.
+ If I have a misdemeanor or felony on my criminal record?
Criminal history does not necessarily disqualify you from service. However, any applicant who has pending charges or has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony involving a sex offense, child abuse or neglect, or related acts that would pose risks to children will not be accepted as a CASA volunteer.
+ If I am not computer savvy?
To be a volunteer you need to be able to use a computer to document progress on your advocacy work, to complete court reports, and to communicate with parties on the case.