While they will establish a relationship with the child, the CASA volunteers'' role is not to become a Big Brother or Sister to the child. Good Communication Skills CASA volunteers must be able to talk to a wide variety of people from healthcare professionals to school officials to an angry parent. CASA volunteers present written reports to the court, sometimes speaking in the courtroom on behalf of the child's best interests. CASA programs provide in-depth training on issues of the court process, child development, abuse and neglect, cultural competency, advocacy and interviewing techniques, HIV and other public health topics, etc. You will hear from judges, attorneys, social workers and other professionals in the field.
Programs also offer in-service training on many subjects.
National CASA has developed a 40-hour curriculum and accompanying materials which local CASA programs adapt to their own communities. A volunteer supervisor or program director is available to discuss your case, help problem solve and make sure you get any legal support you need. Many programs have mentor components where experienced volunteers are matched up with new volunteers. Every year hundreds of volunteers attend the annual National CASA Conference . There are more than 800 local CASA programs nationwide.