WHAT IS A CASA VOLUNTEER?
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained volunteers whose role is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Vermilion and Edgar County Juvenile Court System. Advocates are the "voice" of the child in court.Children at risk in the foster system are less likely to complete high school, enter college, and develop stable family relationships of their own as adults. You can help break that cycle. You can give a child hope for a better future.
You can be a CASA
WHY VOLUNTEER WITH CASA?
Right now, hundreds of abused and neglected children in Vermilion and Edgar County are in the middle of a tremendous tug-of-war. Unfortunately, these children are involved (by no fault of their own) with the juvenile court and child welfare systems. These kids need an advocate whom they can depend on to fight for them and their best interests.That's where CASA comes in. Well-trained, caring, court-appointed special advocates study the child's case, develop a relationship with the child, and become the child's voice in the courtroom. No one else in the process speaks solely for the child. That's why CASA is so important.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BECOME AN ADVOCATE?
- Be 21 years or older
- Fill out an application accessible here
- Pass a background Check
- Complete the 30 hours of pre-service training