CASA volunteers also encourage the child to express his or her own opinion and hopes. Each case is different. A CASA volunteer usually spends about 15 to 20 hours doing research and conducting interviews prior to the first court appearance. More complicated cases take longer. Once initiated into the system, volunteers work about 10 - 15 hours a month.
CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens.
No special or legal background is required. However, volunteers are screened closely for objectivity, competence and commitment. CASA volunteers undergo a thorough training course conducted by the local CASA Program. Training requirements vary from program to program, but an average course is approximately 25 hours. Volunteers learn about courtroom procedure from the principals in the system - from judges, lawyers, social caseworkers, court personnel and others.