Other people may come and go in a child’s life, but CASA advocates can provide a constant presence for children in foster care or at risk of removal. You do not have to be a lawyer or social worker to be an advocate. We welcome people from all walks of life.

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), you will be assigned to the case of a child or group of siblings in foster care. With support and guidance from staff at your local CASA program, you will work with others and provide diligent advocacy to ensure children in foster care have their needs met, that they spend no more time in foster care than necessary, and that older youth aging out of foster care have the support and resources they need to live independently.

Steps to becoming a CASA volunteer

step one: attend an info session or find the casa program in your community

Find a program that is most convenient for you. Our local programs currently serve 30 different counties around the Empire State. You can learn more about info sessions and local CASA programs by clicking on one of the links below.

STEP TWO: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CASA PROGRAM

Each CASA program has their own application process. The process can vary from program to program, so contact them to receive more details about your next step.

step three: complete an application and a background check

You will be asked to complete an application, which will include the submission of reference. In addition, CASA advocate volunteers undergo a thorough background check to ensure that our children are in good hands. Volunteers cannot have a record of certain criminal offenses, like child abuse or neglect, or any sexual offenses. If you any questions, please speak with your local program staff.

step four: complete pre-service training

Volunteers must complete the National CASA/GAL Association Pre-Service Training, which is facilitated by local program staff in either a traditional classroom style or in a hybrid online and classroom model. Pre-service training is approximately 35 hours, spread out over six to ten weeks, depending on the training format. This training equips our volunteers with knowledge of child abuse, family law and court structure. CASA training prepares you to be a strong advocate for our children.

If you have previously been a CASA advocate volunteer or a GAL in another state or with another New York program, some or all of your training may be transferable. This depends on whether or not you were trained using the current Pre-Service curriculum. Your local program staff can explain further.

step five: take your oath before a family court judge

Congratulations! You’ve become a sworn CASA advocate volunteer. Now you are ready to be appointed to a child who desperately needs your help.