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Who Can Be an Advocate?

Can you be a CASA volunteer? All it really takes is a caring heart.

BECOME AN ADVOCATE

Welcome! We know you are here for a reason: either you are considering becoming a CASA volunteer or you care about kids in your community. Either way, we are glad you’re here.

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CASA/GAL of Miami County trains new volunteers two to three times a year. The first step is for you to complete our online application, which includes three references. We will then schedule a personal interview and conduct a background check—all to make sure you are a good fit for our program.

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As a CASA volunteer you are required to complete 30 hours of pre-service training. We base training times on your availability, usually four to six hours a week for six weeks. You will be trained by our staff members and community experts, all of whom will equip you to be a competent and caring CASA volunteer. We ask that you make a two-year commitment given that CASA advocates are often the only consistent person in the child’s life during the court process.

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Our friendly staff will guide you through each step of the process, answering your questions and providing you with the resources you need.

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Are you ready to begin? Click here online volunteer application.

 

Please feel to email us at info@miamicountycasa.org.

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How we help kids

When Child Protective Services has to step in for abused and neglected kids, CASA/GAL of Miami County stands ready with trained volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates to protect the best interest of each child in court—ensuring a positive outcome for safety and a chance to thrive.

THE CASA MODEL.
  • Q. Who is the CASA/GAL Volunteer?
    A. CASA/GAL volunteers are caring people who are at least 21 years old. They come from all walks of life and wish to make a difference for an abused or neglected child. CASA volunteers are trained to work alongside Child Protective Services to protect the best interest of the child. One thing all CASA volunteers have in common is their sincere concern for children.
  • Q. Why are CASA/GAL volunteers needed?
    A. CASA/GAL volunteers are vitally important because kids in the court system need someone to stand up for them! They advocate for the child and help them understand the confusing court process at a scary time in their life. The CASA volunteer serves as the child’s voice by submitting recommendations in a written report to the court.
  • Q. What does the CASA/GAL advocate do?
    A. The CASA/GAL volunteer conducts an independent, ongoing investigation on behalf of the child. The investigation may include reviewing records and talking with anyone who has information about the child, including parents, teachers, neighbors, doctors, school officials, and of course, the child. CASA volunteers make home visits, or they visit the child at their placement. The advocate maintains close communication with the Child Protective Services caseworker and attends all court hearings regarding the child’s case. Finally, they write a report for the court which includes summaries and recommendations to ensure the best possible future for the child
  • Q. How is a CASA/GAL volunteer different from a caseworker?
    A. The caseworker is employed by Child Protective Services and is responsible for managing the case for the whole family. The caseworker monitors the overall case progress and arranges details for the child’s placement if needed. CASA/GAL volunteers work solely on behalf of the child, advocating for the child’s best interest. CASA volunteers and caseworkers are in close contact throughout the case.
  • Q. How long is a CASA/GAL volunteer assigned to a case?
    A. The CASA/GAL advocate will stay with the child until the case is resolved. This can be a matter of months or years, depending on the complexities of the case. At this time, the average length of a case is 18 months.
  • Q. What kind of training does a CASA/GAL volunteer receive?
    A. CASA/GAL volunteers receive 30 hours of quality pre-service training and must complete an additional 12 hours of in-service training each year. Some of the topics covered are: principles and concepts that guide a volunteer, laws, Child Protective Services Board, the court system, cultural awareness, domestic violence, poverty, chemical dependency, investigating and interviewing people involved in a case, writing court reports and making effective recommendations.
  • Q. Do CASA/GAL advocates really make a difference in the lives of children?
    A. YES! CASA/GAL volunteers provide the advocacy a child needs in the court system and offer compassionate support that can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Children paired with CASA volunteers are more likely to end up in safe, permanent homes quicker than those without an advocate. CASA/GAL volunteers are superheroes for the children for whom they advocate!
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