“Having been a homeless teenager and in and out of the foster care system, I can attest first hand to the difficulties the children encounter. Being a CASA Advocate I know that I am making a difference in the life of a child(ren) 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:
- 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?
- 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?
- Do you have the time and desire to actively participate in 30 hours of training?
- Can you maintain an objective point of view when presented with difficult topics such as child abuse, neglect, drug addiction, or sexual abuse?
- Are you comfortable communicating with many types of professionals, including social workers, teachers, therapists, healthcare staff, and attorneys?
- Are you comfortable communicating with a diverse population?
- 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
If at the end of the volunteer interview CASA staff and you determine that CASA is a good fit, you will be invited to attend our next training class! We hold three trainings per year and follow the National CASA/GAL 30-hour training curriculum.
If you are unsure whether serving as a CASA volunteer is for you and would like to speak with a staff member, please contact us at 978-327-6615 or by filling out this form. Please see the information below for other volunteer opportunties with CASA.
Lastly, if you are looking for other types of volunteer opportunities, Family Services of the Merrimack Valley has other programs, or we suggest visiting www.volunteermatch.org or www.idealist.org to view listings of other opportunities in your area.
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. - Join our CASA Helpers list to be notified of special initiatives that need extra hands.
- Walk with us in May at the annual National CASA/GAL Walk.Run.Thrive event.
- Donate!
In addition to receiving funding from the State of Massachusetts and various foundations and grantors, 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.