Frequent Asked Questions

What is a CASA volunteer?
What is the role of a CASA volunteer?
How does a volunteer advocate investigate a case?
Is there a “typical” CASA advocate?
How does the CASA volunteer advocate relate to the child he or she represents?
What are the benefits of a CASA program?
Do lawyers, judges and social workers support CASA?
What is the CASA philosophy?
How are CASA volunteer advocates trained?
How much time does it require?
How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved with a case?
Where do CASA volunteers serve?
How is CASA of Central Virginia funded?
What is in the Code of Virginia concerning CASA?
Can I work full time and be a CASA volunteer?
Do I have to be a lawyer to be a CASA volunteer?
How else can I help?

What is a CASA volunteer?

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court. Children helped by CASA volunteers include those for whom home placement is being determined in juvenile court. Children who are victims of abuse and neglect who have become wards of the court are assigned CASA volunteers.

What is the role of a CASA volunteer?

A CASA volunteer provides a judge with a carefully researched background of the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future. Each home placement case is as unique as the child involved. The CASA volunteer recommends if it is in the child’s best interest to stay with his or her parents or guardians, be placed in foster care, or be freed for permanent adoption. The CASA volunteer makes a recommendation on placement to the judge, and follows through on the case until it is permanently resolved.

How does a volunteer advocate investigate a case?

To prepare a recommendation, the CASA volunteer advocate talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history. The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child such as school, medical, social worker reports, and other documents.

Is there a “typical” CASA advocate?

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. There are more than 73,000 CASA volunteers nationwide. Aside from their CASA work, 50 percent are employed in regular full-time jobs; the majority tends to be professionals; 82% of the volunteers nationwide are women; 18% are men.

How does the CASA volunteer advocate relate to the child he or she represents?

CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings. They explain to the child the events that are happening, the reasons they are in court, and the roles the judge, lawyers, and social workers play. The CASA volunteers, while remaining objective observers, encourage the child to express his or her own opinions and hopes.

What are the benefits of a CASA program?

The child understands that there is one special person whose purpose is to help him or her. Consequently, the system seems a little less overwhelming. The judge receives important information to assist him or her in making a decision about the child’s future. The volunteer advocate becomes directly involved in protecting the rights of children.

Do lawyers, judges and social workers support CASA?

Yes. Juvenile court judges implement the CASA program in their courtrooms and appoint volunteers. CASA has been endorsed by the American Bar Association, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention of the U.S. Department of Justice.

What is the CASA philosophy?

The CASA concept is based on the commitment that every child has the right to a safe, permanent home. The juvenile court judge appoints a volunteer to the child’s case. The volunteer then becomes an official part of the judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers as an appointed officer of the court. Unlike attorneys and social workers, however, the CASA volunteer speaks exclusively for the child’s best interests. By handling only one or two cases at a time the CASA volunteer has time to thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case. There are other child advocacy organizations, but CASA is the only program where volunteers are appointed by the court to represent a child’s best interests.

How are CASA volunteer advocates trained?

CASA volunteer advocates receive 30 hours of classroom instruction from judges, social workers, and other professionals in our community.

How much time does it require?

Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 10 hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. Once initiated into the system, volunteer advocates work about 10-15 hours per month.

How long does a CASA volunteer remain involved with a case?

The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved and permanency has been achieved. CASA of Central Virginia requires a minimum one-year commitment. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that, unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteer is a consistent figure in the proceedings and provides continuity for a child.

Where do CASA volunteers serve?

Volunteers for CASA of Central Virginia have the option of working in any of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations courts in the 24th Judicial District. The areas covered include: Lynchburg City, Bedford City, Campbell County, Amherst County, Bedford County, and Nelson County. Volunteers are supported by staff from the Lynchburg, Bedford, Amherst, or Campbell County Offices.

How is CASA of Central Virginia funded?

CASA is funded from several sources among them: United Way of Central Virginia, Virginia General Assembly (administered through the Department of Criminal Justice Services), National CASA Association, Victims of Crime Act, Local Foundations and Companies, Local Governments, Private Donations, Faith Community, Civic Organizations, Family and Children’s Trust Fund, and Special Events.

What is in the Code of Virginia concerning CASA?

§ 9.1-151. Court-Appointed Special Advocate Program; appointment of advisory committee.

§ 9.1-152. Local court-appointed special advocate programs; powers and duties.

§ 9.1-153. Volunteer court-appointed special advocates; powers and duties; assignment; qualifications; training.

§ 9.1-154. Immunity.

§ 9.1-155. Notice of hearings and proceedings.

§ 9.1-156. Inspection and copying of records by advocate; confidentiality of records.

§ 9.1-157. Cooperation of state and local entities.

§ 63.1-248.3. Physicians, nurses, teachers, etc., to report certain injuries to children; penalty for failure to report.

§ 16.1-274. Time for filing of reports; copies furnished to attorneys; amended reports; fees.

Can I work full time and be a CASA volunteer?

Yes. Many volunteers also hold full time jobs. Some job flexibility will be required to attend occasional court hearings. The average time commitment is 10-15 hours per month, although the more complicated cases can take longer.

Do I have to be a lawyer to be a CASA volunteer?

No. CASA volunteers come from all educational and professional backgrounds. No special experience is required.

How else can I help?

A financial contribution is a step you can take if your schedule or other time commitments prevent you from becoming a CASA volunteer. Send a tax-deductible donation in any amount to CASA of Central Virginia at P.O. Box 11373, Lynchburg, VA 24506.

Call 434-528-2552 today for more information about CASA, our work and training schedule.