Overview
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of children involved in the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers serve as the child’s consistent, reliable voice throughout court proceedings and help ensure the child’s needs are met while they are in foster care.
Key Responsibilities
- Advocate for the child’s best interests in court, school, and community settings.
- Conduct independent fact‑finding, including meeting with the child, foster parents, biological parents, caseworkers, teachers, therapists, and other relevant individuals.
- Visit the child regularly (typically monthly) to build trust and understand their needs, wishes, and well‑being.
- Review case documents such as court reports, case plans, and educational or medical records.
- Prepare written reports for the court with observations and recommendations regarding placement, services, and permanency planning.
- Attend court hearings and provide testimony when needed.
- Monitor the case to ensure court orders and service plans are being followed.
- Collaborate with professionals in child welfare, legal, and educational systems while maintaining independence as the child’s advocate.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow all program policies and legal guidelines.
Skills & Qualifications
- Volunteers must be age 55 or better.
- Strong communication and writing skills
- Ability to maintain objectivity and sound judgment
- Compassion, patience, and commitment to child well‑being
- Willingness to work with diverse families and professionals
- Ability to maintain boundaries and confidentiality
- Completion of required CASA training (typically 30–40 hours)
- Ability to pass background checks
- Commitment to serve for the duration of a case (often 12–24 months)
Time Commitment
- Approximately 10–15 hours per month
- Monthly child visits
- Court hearings (usually every 3–6 months)
- Ongoing training and supervision
Supervision
Supervision is provided by the CASA Program Coordinator for the Judicial District.
Impact of the Role
CASA volunteers help ensure that children in foster care receive the services, stability, and support they need. Judges rely on CASA recommendations to make informed decisions about a child’s safety, permanency, and overall well‑being. Volunteers often become the one consistent adult presence in a child’s life during a difficult and uncertain time.
For more information, please contact your RSVP Volunteer Coordinator
at 712-521-8132 or sheri.bowen@volunteeriowa.org
