What is CASA?
​​A single nurturing relationship with an adult can profoundly impact a child who has endured abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers play a crucial role by connecting children with healing resources and equipping them with tools to prevent further harm. Find out how to become a CASA volunteer with today.
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At least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. Child abuse and neglect are preventable. Prevention includes the availability of and access to resources. CASA volunteers identify resources for children and their families to help strengthen families.
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Being a CASA volunteer is one of the most rewarding ways to change a child’s life. Our volunteers provide stability, compassion, and advocacy for children going through some of the most difficult times they will ever face. Children trust CASA because they know we always have their best interests at heart.
Every year, more than 20,000 children in Nebraska are reported as abused or neglected. Many must be removed from unsafe homes and placed in foster care, where they may move from one placement to another, never knowing what will happen next. CASA volunteers step in to ensure these children are seen, heard, and supported until they can find a safe, permanent home.
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What CASA Volunteers Do
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. They:
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Get to know the child and build a trusting relationship.
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Review case records and gather information.
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Talk with social workers, attorneys, teachers, family members, and others involved in the child’s life.
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Provide unbiased, well-informed recommendations to the judge.
Our volunteers are often the only consistent presence in a child’s life during this uncertain time. In Gage County, 75% of children we serve are reunified with their families—often with the help of a CASA volunteer making sure the right services and supports are in place.
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Who Can Volunteer
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They must:
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Be at least 21 years old.
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Pass a background check and complete personal interviews.
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Complete 30 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of continuing education each year.
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Commit to 5–10 hours per month, most of which can be done on their own schedule, with occasional court hearings and meetings.
We especially welcome volunteers who speak more than one language. Above all, CASA volunteers are patient, open-minded, dependable, and deeply care about children.
The Impact of a CASA:
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Children with a CASA volunteer are half as likely to spend time in long-term foster care.
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CLOSED
Cases involving a CASA volunteer are more likely to be permanently closed.
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Children with a CASA volunteer do better in school, are more likely to pass all courses, and less likely to have poor conduct in school​.
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Children with a CASA volunteer receive more services that are critical to their well-being.
Requirements For Becoming a CASA
A CASA volunteer is required to:
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Be 21 years of age or older
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Attend a CASA orientation.
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Complete a Volunteer Application.
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Participate in a screening interview with CASA staff.
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Successfully pass a criminal background check and provide documentation of a safe driving record.
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Attend all training sessions and scheduled court tours.
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Participate in a swearing-in ceremony conducted by the presiding County Juvenile Court Judge, where you become an officer of the court and a mandated child abuse reporter​
Once sworn in by the court, as a CASA volunteer, you now will:
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Spend quality time with the child/children you are appointed to
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Participate in case meetings and review case files.
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Submit a court report and present your recommendations to the judge in the courtroom.
THE WAY A VOLUNTEER GATHERS, USES, DISCLOSES, AND MANAGES INFORMATION IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.
When you volunteer for CASA, you give hope to a child who has been the victim of abuse or neglect. Become a volunteer Advocate, help with fundraising, work with others planning an event, or volunteer in the office.
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CASA® Volunteers have two primary goals:
1) To ensure that a child’s needs are being met while in foster care (under the court’s jurisdiction); and
2) To advocate for permanency on behalf of a child.
CASA Volunteers visit their children, attend court and Family Support Team meetings, and visit with people who know the child.
The information that the volunteer learns is then submitted to the presiding Judge on the child’s case, in the form of a court reporter, to help inform the court about a child’s wishes and well-being.
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