CASA volunteers and guardians ad litem share the same Order of Appointment from the court and have the same statutorial mandates. In other counties, attorneys are appointed as guardians ad litem. CASA volunteers then work in conjunction with the attorney guardian ad litem to ensure the child receives the best representation possible. The Court deems both as valuable sources of information and will ask for both opinions. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds.
CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens.
No special or legal background is required. However, volunteers are screened closely for objectivity, competence and commitment. CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years old, successfully complete a police background check, and a minimum of 30 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of continuing education each year. CASA volunteers undergo a thorough training course. The training takes thirty hours over a period of one month.