Become a CASA
By serving as a CASA volunteer, you can make sure that a child receives the services needed to thrive physically, academically, and even socially.
Along the way, your support can help shape important outcomes, from educational success and healthy relationships to long-term stability and confidence as they move into adulthood.
These youth deserve hope and the opportunity to live a fulfilling life.
Learn more about becoming a CASA
What is a CASA?
Learn how CASA volunteers advocate for the best interest of children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect.
Become a CASA
Explore the training, requirements, and next steps to become a volunteer.
Why children need CASAs
Children need consistency and trust when so much is uncertain. That comes from a CASA volunteer.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
On average, you can expect to spend 10-12 hours a month on a case. On top of that, all CASA volunteers must complete a 30 hour pre-service training. Advocates sometimes say that there is a greater amount of work in the beginning of the case, when they are conducting their initial research. While 10-12 hours a month is the average, the time commitment to a case varies depending upon the unique circumstances of the child and even the stage of the case (such as waiting for adoption to be final).
Continuity and trust are very important for these children, so CASA programs typically ask that you dedicate yourself to the case until it’s closed. That means about a year and a half on average.
As an advocate you will:
- Gather information: Review documents and case records, observe interactions, and build relationships with the child and the adults involved in their life to better understand the child’s needs and circumstances.
- Recommend services: Help ensure the child is connected to appropriate services and support. Advocate for resources that may not yet be in place and raise concerns related to the child’s health, education, or well-being when needed.
- Participate in document findings: Provide written reports and updates for court hearings based on your observations and involvement in the case.
- Appear in court: Advocate for the child’s best interests and provide testimony when necessary.
- Explain what’s going on: Help the child understand court proceedings and major decisions or changes happening in their life in an age-appropriate way.
- Monitor case plans and court orders: Help ensure court orders, case plans, and required review hearings are being followed and completed.
- Keep the court informed: Share updates on important developments involving the child, family members, caregivers, and service providers so the court has a clear understanding of the child’s situation.
- Follow CASA program rules: keep your CASA program coordinator informed and follow all program protocols.
No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. We encourage people from all professions, cultures and ethnic and educational backgrounds to apply. Once you’ve been accepted into the program, you will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system and how to be a trauma-informed advocate.
You must be:
- At least 21 years old
- Able to speak, read and write English
- Willing to complete necessary background checks, take a polygraph test, provide references and participate in a one-on-one interview
- Able to complete a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training
- Available for court appearances, with advance notice
- Willing to commit to the CASA program until your first case is closed
We want you to feel comfortable in the courtroom and with your child. CASA of Maricopa County’s experienced staff, pre-service training program and continued support system are in place to ensure you always have an answer to your question and know the best way to handle each child’s unique circumstance.
In addition to training available through CASA of Maricopa County, VOICES provides support through:
- CASA case enablement: youth normalcy experiences, urgent and specialty needs
- CASA experience: education, volunteer support
- Community partnership and mobilization
- Fundraising and strategic partnerships
