The CASA volunteer can thoroughly examine a child's case, has knowledge of community resources and can make a recommendation to the court independent of state agency restrictions. The CASA volunteer does not provide legal representation in the courtroom. That is the role of the attorney. However, the CASA volunteer does provide crucial background information that assists attorneys in presenting their cases. 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 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.