What do CASA volunteers do?

CASA of Rochester/Monroe County, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to train and supervise a diverse group of volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected. These children are at risk of being removed, or have been removed, from their homes.

Once they are trained, CASA volunteers meet and talk to the different people involved in the case to which they are assigned. For example, a volunteer may not only talk to a child, but also to biological parents, foster parents, relative resources, caseworkers, attorneys, doctors, therapists, and teachers. The volunteers gather factual information and bring the information back to the Family Court Judge. It is hoped that with more information in hand, the judge can make a more informed decision as to what should happen next in the lives of the children involved.

Volunteer Swearing-In

CASA Volunteers:

• investigate the child’s situation and report the findings to the court and all parties
• monitor implementation of the court order and case plan
• facilitate a working relationship among all parties to a case
• educate all parties and the community about the foster care and Family Court systems
• where appropriate, provide direct service to the children to whom CASA is assigned

What is the time commitment?

On average, our volunteers spend about 10 hours of work per month on each of their cases. A volunteer may be assigned to only one case or may be assigned to multiple cases. The duration of cases varies. A case may be closed in as few as six months or may extend to two years or longer.

What are the requirements to be a volunteer?

Our volunteers must be 21 years of age or older, have a reliable form of transportation, and have some flexibility to their schedule. Volunteers must be able to make and receive telephone calls as needed and attend court hearings and meetings. Volunteers should be willing to make a two-year commitment to the program. The average length of stay for a volunteer with the CASA program is 37 months.

Volunteering with CASA is not an appropriate choice for everyone. The following are some items to consider before pursuing a volunteer opportunity with CASA of Rochester/Monroe County, Inc.:

• A prospective volunteer must not be a currently licensed foster parent in Monroe County. Foster parents currently licensed in Monroe County may volunteer with CASA programs in other counties.
• Our advocacy work requires the ability to traverse Monroe County without hindrances. Without the aid of personal transportation, it may be very difficult to attend visits at parents’ homes or county buildings, meetings at schools or residential placement facilities, and court hearings.
• Applicants who have been convicted of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or any other violation of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law Article 31 within the last five (5) years shall not be permitted to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates.
• Applicants who are found to have been convicted of, or have charges pending for, a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or neglect, or related acts that would pose risks to children or the CASA program’s credibility shall not be permitted to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates.
• If an applicant is found to have committed a misdemeanor or felony that is unrelated to or would not pose a risk to children, and the misdemeanor or felony would not negatively impact the credibility of the CASA program, the following will be considered:
  • The extent of the rehabilitation since the misdemeanor or felony was committed.
  • Other factors that may influence the decision to accept the applicant as a CASA volunteer.

Does CASA need more volunteers?

Currently, we have 48 volunteers donating their time to CASA. In 2007, our volunteers donated over 7,200 hours and served over 360 children in Monroe County. We are always looking for volunteers from all cultures and backgrounds to join our program so that we may serve more children.

How do I become a CASA volunteer?

Persons interested in becoming a CASA volunteer should review and complete the Volunteer Application Form . The completed Volunteer Application Form and a resume (or summary of work and/or volunteer experience) should be returned to our office:  CASA, Hall of Justice, Room 332, Rochester, NY 14614.

Upon receipt and review of your materials at the CASA office, an initial interview is scheduled. Prospective volunteers complete a prospective volunteer training course of approximately 24 hours of classroom training, as well as 6 hours of courtroom observation. Each candidate is also required to submit an autobiography and complete two forms allowing CASA to perform background checks.

Prospective volunteers have a second interview with a CASA staff person. If it is mutually found that CASA is the appropriate volunteer opportunity for the candidate, the candidate is sworn in by a Family Court Judge.

When are training courses for prospective volunteers?

Typically, courses are held three times a year. For the next training dates, please see Future Events.

What support does a CASA volunteer receive?

While volunteers do work alone, they must have frequent contact with their CASA supervisor for guidance and support. Volunteers are expected to attend training meetings throughout the year to help them perform their advocacy work more effectively and more knowledgeably.

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