TO BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER, ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

1.  Attend an Informational Session

2.  Complete Application from website

3.  Submit completed Application in person, to the CASA Office (can be submitted at the Informational)

4.  Submit to Fingerprinting

When applicant successfully completes the above, the next steps include:

5.  Participate in a Panel Interview

6.  Attend 36 hours of CASA Volunteer Training

7.  Take Oath of Office

WHAT IS A CASA VOLUNTEER?

CASA volunteers are men and women who are dedicated to the vital role of advocating on behalf of abused or neglected children. The children served by CASA volunteers range in age from birth to 18. Were it not for the voice of the CASA volunteer, the child’s voice might not be heard.

When the judge appoints a CASA volunteer to a child’s case, the CASA volunteer becomes responsible for developing a consistent, emotionally supportive relationship with the CASA child, gathering information from all appropriate sources, and making the most suitable recommendations to the judge about what is in the child’s best interest.

Although CASA volunteers come from a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds, all share a desire to, and a belief that one person can and does, make a difference in the life of an abused and/or neglected child. As a child’s volunteer advocate, the CASA volunteer’s goal is to help secure a safe and permanent home for their CASA child. CASA volunteers closely monitor the situation, advocate for services, and help guide the CASA child through what is a very confusing period of time in their life. The CASA volunteer is a crucial source of emotional support for the CASA child.

One person, unquestionably, can and does make huge, positive life changing differences in the life of an abused/neglected child.

REQUIREMENTS

A CASA VOLUNTEER:

1.   Must be 21 years of age.

2.   Must be free of a felony conviction or pending charges for felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or neglect, or related acts that would pose risks to children or to the CASA Program’s credibility.

3.   Must not be a relative, spouse, or significant other of current CASA Program staff.

4.   Must not be an employee of the Department of Family Services.

5.   Must be free of any domestic violence and/or child-related civil or criminal offenses.

6.   Must disclose any Family Court involvement within the past two years.

7.   Must be willing to make a TWO YEAR commitment to The CASA Program.

8.   Must submit a completed application packet.

9.   Must provide a copy of valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance and DMV printout.

10. Must be free from conviction of DWI or DUI (Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence) within the previous five years.

11. Must submit to a criminal background check.

12. Must submit completed FBI fingerprint cards.  (A prospective volunteer may be provisionally admitted into the CASA Program pending receipt of the Federal Criminal History check.)

13. Must submit names for three personal references.

14. Must participate in a personal interview before a panel.

15. Must attend and complete Initial Training.

16. Must take the CASA Oath of Office.

17. Must review and accept assignment of a case.

18. Must participate in a post-training case staffing.

19. Must perform advocacy duties as directed.

20. Must participate in annual evaluations.

21. Must participate in ongoing In-Service training (minimum of 12 hours per calendar year) to enhance advocacy skills.

CASA VOLUNTEER SELECTION FACTORS

The CASA Volunteer position requires the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

1. Knowledge of:
> Basic child development principles
> Basic family dynamics
> Concept of confidentiality

2. Skill to:
> Implement creative problem solving
> Utilize active listening
> Deal with hostility, anger, obstructive behavior and other emotionally charged feelings and attitudes
> Employ tenacity and perseverance
> Identify successes and failures

3. Ability to:
> Communicate effectively in both oral and written form
> Maintain essential confidentiality of information
> Analyze and organize facts and information in a logical manner
> Establish and maintain effective working relationships
> Relate effectively to people from various backgrounds in a variety of settings
> Maintain objectivity
> Utilize effective interviewing techniques with children and other involved parties
> Meet deadlines and time frames
> Gather and record factual information
> Transport self to a variety of locations throughout the County
> Attend required training and development sessions

Although we cannot provide you with monetary rewards, there are many benefits to becoming a CASA volunteer.  These include the opportunity to:

> Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse and/or neglect
> Help a child find permanency in a safe, loving home
> Assist judges in obtaining a clear picture of a child’s life and needs, gain an understanding of the district courts legal proceedings, and social service agencies
> Develop/utilize communication skills
> Develop/utilize assertiveness
> Utilize your past experience and skills
> Make friendships with like minded people who also desire to make a difference

Position Responsibilities:

1.  Conduct an independent evaluation of the case.

>  Read and review all pertinent documents.

>  Interview all parties involved with the case, as directed.

>  Observe the cild(ren) with significant people and promote

child/sibling and child/parent visitation, as directed.

>  Attend case staffings and Child and Family Team (CFT)

meetings, when possible.

>  Meet face to face with the child(ren) at least once a month

2.  Maintain strict confidentiality of all case information.

>  Comply with all legal statutes defining Confidentiality (See

Nevada Revised Statutes 432B.280 & 432B.290 in Appendix).

>  Maintain accurate and current case notes and case contact log.

>  Share case information only as directed through approved procedures.

3.  Monitor and facilitate the progress of the case.

>  Monitor compliance with the case plan and/or case assignment directions.

>  Maintain regular contact with the child and all parties, as directed.

>  Promote the permanency planning and case plan goals throughout

all case contacts.

>  Monitor child’s special needs and delivery of appropriate services to

meet the needs.

>  Develop a working relationship with other case professionals, e.g.,

DFS caseworkers, counselors, foster parents/caretakers, parents

and attorneys.

4.  Report findings to the Court.

>  Provide a typed, formatted report with factual information and

recommendations to the Court.

>  Attend Court hearings, as directed.

>  Testify or make verbal presentations at the Court hearings,

as required.

5.  Attend required trainings.

>  Attend and complete the initial 36 hour training.

>  Participate in the initial case staffing upon completion of the

initial 36 hour training.

>  Attend at least 12 hours of on-going training per calendar year.

6.  Participate in supervision and development process.
>  Seek staff direction as needed.

>  Direct questions and concerns to CASA staff and CASA mentor.

>  Consult regularly (initially, at least once a month) with CASA staff.

>  Review court reports with CASA staff.

>  Participate in annual evaluation and feedback session.

>  Set communication, training and performance goals.

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL WAYS I CAN VOLUNTEER MY SKILLS?

The CASAs 4 CASAs committee provides support for the CASA staff by developing and supporting programs that benefit foster children and recruit, recognize and retain volunteers.

Volunteers staff subcommittees to work on several projects such as

~   Angel Tree Christmas Gift and Party program
~   CASA Kids’ Pajama Party
~   Light of Hope Ceremony
~   CASA of the Month Program
~   CASA appreciation events
~   CASA picnic
~   Fundraisers and Promotions

CASA volunteers and other supporters are welcome to participate. A large group of active volunteers share the responsibilities to avoid overburdening any one participant.

To take part in this program, contact the CASA office at 455-4306.

To become a CASA volunteer please call 455-4306 or APPLY NOW.