CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They have a variety of
professional, educational, and ethnic backgrounds. No special experience
is required. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity,
competence, and commitment. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Once accepted, volunteers are trained. They learn about courtroom
procedure, the social service and juvenile court systems, and the
special needs of children who have been abused and neglected.
Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 10-15
hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first
court appearance. More complicated cases may take longer. Once a child
has been made a ward of the court, volunteers are required to make
monthly contact with the child.