“Having been a homeless teenager and in and out of foster care, I can attest to the difficulties children encounter. Being a CASA volunteer, I know that I am making a difference in the life of a child that was never made for me, and this brings me great joy.”
How to Become a CASA Volunteer
Training to become and serving as a CASA volunteer is a big commitment and involves a thorough screening process and an extensive, 30-hour training curriculum plus a commitment to 12 hours of ongoing learning each year. The application process, explained below, involves a series of steps, each of which will help determine whether this volunteer opportunity is a good match for the applicant.
STEP 1
Conduct a Self-Assessment
Please take a moment to reflect on the following questions:
- Do you have the time to actively participate in 30 hours of pre-service training?
- Do you have time in your schedule to dedicate, on average, 15 hours per month to volunteering?
- Is your schedule flexible enough to accommodate court hearings every couple of months and other periodic, daytime meetings?
- Are you at a point in your life where you are able to commit to staying involved with a case until it closes, or for at least two years?
- Can you maintain an objective point of view when presented with difficult topics such as drug addiction or sexual abuse?
- Are you comfortable communicating with a diverse populations (parents, teachers, attorneys, social workers, family networks)?
- Are you able to be patient and consistent with the child(ren) to whom you are assigned?
If you answered “YES!” to all of the above, then please proceed to Step 2!
STEP 2
Submit an Application
Please click here to submit your volunteer application. Please note that this application takes about 30 minutes to complete, will require you to provide 3 non-family references, and must be completed in one sitting.
STEP 3
Join Us for a Volunteer Interview
Once we receive your application, we will contact you within 3-5 business days to set up a 1-hour interview.
STEP 4
complete pre-service training
After the interview, you may be invited to attend our next training cohort which utilizes the National CASA/GAL 30-hour training curriculum.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
There are other meaningful ways to be involved with Essex County CASA!
- Join the Friends of CASA Committee
This is a group of individuals who are committed to helping Essex County CASA by leading special initiatives, fundraising efforts, legislative advocacy, and community awareness. - Walk with us in May at the annual National CASA/GAL Walk.Run.Thrive event.
- Donate! In addition to funding from the State of Massachusetts, Essex County CASA relies on private donations to continue to meet the needs of vulnerable children in Essex County.
Reach out today to begin making a difference! Contact us at 978-327-6615.