Questions
CASA of SLO County FAQ
What is the CASA organization?
What is a CASA volunteer?
CASA Volunteers are people like you–caring adults in the community who receive training to represent the best interest of a child. The judge appoints a child or sibling group to each volunteer, who then gets to know the child/children and become a constant in that child’s life during the tumultuous months following identification of abuse and/or neglect.
What Does a CASA Volunteer do?
A CASA Volunteer spends time with their assigned child or sibling group on a weekly basis, getting to know the child while also gathering information from the child’s family, teachers, doctors, caregivers and others involved in the child’s life. Approximately every six months you will prepare a report for the judge (with help from your assigned Supervisor) sharing your recommendations for the child’s care. Watch the video below to learn more!
How do I become a CASA Volunteer?
The first step is to attend an Information Session. Next, you will fill out an online application. This is followed by an interview, background screening, and then 36 hours of training. Currently all training is virtual. Lastly, the judge swears you in as an officer of the court. Click the button below to see the dates available for your first step.
What time commitment is required?
Upon receiving “your child”, you will generally meet with him or her for about an hour a week, to do something fun like play in a park or visit the library. You will also need to meet the primary people involved in the child’s life, such as social workers, teachers, and therapists. Ultimately, you’ll create a short court report every six months (and we’ll help). The typical CASA spends about 12- 15 hours a month bonding and advocating. You’re asked to stay with a case until it closes, typically about a year. You may well be the only consistent adult in the child’s life, providing vital stability and continuity.
Who are the children CASA serves?
How many children does CASA serve?
Last year, dedicated volunteers advocated for 196 children, approximately 40% of the total number of children in the care of San Luis Obispo County courts. Securing the volunteers and funding to serve all of these children is our goal.