The CASA volunteer also reviews all records pertaining to the child - school, medical, case worker reports and other documents. The volunteer continues until the case is permanently resolved. One of the primary benefits of the CASA program is that, unlike other court principals who often rotate cases, the CASA volunteer is a consistent figure in the proceedings and provides continuity for the child. The number varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but an average case load is two or three. The program is most common in Juvenile and Family Court cases.
CASA volunteers offer children trust and advocacy during complex legal proceedings.
They explain to the child the events that are happening, the reasons they are all in court and the roles the judge, lawyers and social workers play. 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.