Ordinary people who care about kids. CASA volunteers come from all backgrounds. Many work full time. Some are students or retired people.
Most CASA volunteers work on one case at a time.
No legal expertise is required. CASA volunteers are assigned to an abuse or neglect case by a judge. They conduct thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing documents, interviewing everyone involved, including the child. They make reports to the court, recommending what they believe is best for the child, providing the judge with information that will help her make an informed decision. CASA volunteers can be instrumental in assuring that a child or family receives services which the court has ordered - things like substance abuse counseling or special education testing.