The CASA program works for the best interests of the child. Information is gathered as volunteers examine each child's situation and report to the Family Court Judge for use in his decision-making. These volunteers are from all walks of life and are dedicated to reducing the amount of time a child spends in temporary foster care by facilitating the child's placement in a permanent home. CASA of Jefferson County functions in cooperation with Jefferson County Family Court. Its model is the original CASA project founded in Seattle, Washington in 1977.
CASA volunteers observe strict confidentiality with all case information.
The ability to relate to people from all walks of life is essential. A background in human services, education or psychology is helpful, but not necessary. CASA volunteers are ordinary people who are caring, honest and committed to doing what is best for a child. Volunteers must be able to complete the initial new volunteer training and continuing education sessions at volunteer meetings and must be available to attend scheduled court sessions and meetings on behalf of their assigned children. Because these children need to have as much continuity as possible, volunteers must be able to make a minimum commitment of one year to their assigned children.