A CASA volunteer is a mentor and advocate appointed by the courts to help children who have experienced abuse and neglect. They are caring adults who provide a consistent relationship while building a long-term support network and guiding the youth through the dependency system. CASAs gather information regarding the youth’s case and well-being to make recommendations that advocate for the youth’s best interest. CASAs help the youth plan for futures that are brighter than their pasts.

The introduction of just one caring adult in the life of an abused child can change the course of that child’s life forever. Experiencing abuse, neglect, and other forms of trauma can impact physical and mental health, academic achievement, and more. The support of a CASA/GAL volunteer can help children build resilience to counter those impacts. Studies have demonstrated that children with a CASA are more likely to find safe, permanent homes, more likely to succeed in school, and are half as likely to re-enter foster care.

CASA children may be placed in a short-term residential therapeutic program (group home), a foster home, or with a family member. Most children we serve live in central and northern Orange County, though children may be placed throughout the county and neighboring counties.

We ask advocates to spend 8-10 hours per month working on their cases. That includes two visits per month with your assigned youth, meetings with other case professionals, submitting case notes and court reports, and court appearances. In addition, we are looking for volunteers who have healthy and consistent work/life balances, strong support systems, emotional stability, and the ability to commit for two years.

Your first step to becoming a CASA is to attend an Information Session. This is your chance to learn more about the program, understand the training and screening requirements, and ask questions. Click here to register for an Information Session.

Yes, you do. CASA OC Training is a 32-hour (as mandated by National CASA and the California Rules of Court) program consisting of online (self-paced) chapters and live classes. The live classes take place via zoom or in-person.

The Training Team will send you a link to enroll on Coassemble, our online learning management system. The content on Coassemble is split up into chapters, which you must complete in order. You are expected to complete pre-work chapters prior to attending the live classes. We will cover topics like mandated reporting, an overview of the dependency system, how to advocate for youth in foster care, and other skills necessary to help you in your role. Additionally, once you become an advocate, you are required to complete 12 hours of continued education annually.

January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, and November.

On average, it takes approximately two months from the start of training until you are officially matched with your child. This is dependent upon your full completion of all training classes and application and screening requirements.

If you cannot attend all the live sessions in one month, you can make up the missing sessions the following month. We ask that once you begin training, you complete all the classes and requirements within two months. This will ensure that you retain all of the knowledge you gain. Please complete the required pre-work chapters as listed on the calendar before coming to each live session class.

We are looking for safe and trusted adults who are inclusive, open-minded, have strong communication skills, and are willing to advocate on a child’s behalf. Advocates must be 21 years old, have at least three years of driving history, complete a comprehensive background check and have a minimum commitment of two years.

You must have at least five years of sobriety to be eligible to apply for the CASA volunteer role. If you have had a DUI within the last five years, you are not eligible to apply. If you have any questions regarding something that may show up in your background check and how it may impact your ability to become a CASA volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Recruitment Manager.

A couple can become CASA’s together if they choose to take on a sibling set, allowing them to provide support and advocacy together for the youth. However, both partners must individually go through the entire application, interviewing, training, and screening processes. This includes submitting applications, attending mandatory training sessions, and undergoing thorough background checks. Each partner must be accepted into the CASA program to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications and standards. Once both are accepted, they can jointly advocate for the siblings, using their combined strengths and perspectives to better serve the youth's needs.

Each volunteer is continuously supported by and in contact with a professional and experienced Advocate Supervisor. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the case of emergencies.

Most volunteers are assigned to one child. Depending on the needs of the child, a volunteer may be assigned to a pair of siblings if it is in the children’s best interests. Rarely, a volunteer with more time may take on more than one concurrent case.

There is a personal spending limit of  $25 spent on the youth per outing, so we encourage only free or inexpensive activities. A typical visit may include a trip to the park, the beach, or community activities. In addition, our agency sponsors events throughout the year for CASAs and their assigned child. Due to confidentiality, you cannot take the child to your home or introduce them to your friends, family, or colleagues. CASA advocates have a one-on-one relationship with the child they are matched with, and outings should only be between the two of you.

CASA has a variety of volunteer opportunities that would allow you to support our mission to serve abused children. You might consider assisting with activities for our children and advocates or getting involved in fundraising projects. Please visit our donation webpage to learn about other opportunities to participate in CASA’s important work.

Yes, we are 501(c)3. Any donation made to our agency is tax-deductible.

Please contact our Development Department by emailing development@casaoc.org.