So you want to be a CASA volunteer? Here's how to get started!

Becoming a CASA Volunteer means that you are choosing to change a child’s story. It means that when a child’s future hangs in the balance, you are there for them. It means that you will be a trained volunteer who steps up to assist judges and serve our community’s most vulnerable children as court-appointed special advocates.

So, what does that look like?

The first step to becoming a CASA volunteer is to attend an information session, which is an hour-long presentation and discussion about the role and expectations of being a CASA Volunteer. These sessions are held twice monthly (or more), both in-person and virtually. Click here to find a date that works for you!

Once you have attended an information session and feel that this role will be suitable for you, you can submit an application and biography, telling us a little more about you.

Following submission of the application, the Program Assistant will invite you to attend a 30–45-minute phone-interview and subsequently a 2-hour in-person interview with a few of our Advocate Managers.

Next, after completion of both interviews, the Program Assistant will send you information on completing background checks. Background checks for CASA Volunteers include getting Fingerprints through Fieldprint; CPS Virginia check, out of state CPS checks if applicable; local state checks and national sex-offender check.

While background checks are processing, you will begin Training Class. Our program hosts 3 training classes per year. Summer, Fall and Winter/Spring. This 9-week training class helps equip you with the knowledge and tools to be an effective advocate. During training, which occurs once per week in the evenings, applicants will be provided with dinner donated by a local restaurant. Click here to see more details about training and our upcoming class schedule.

Finally, after 9 weeks of training, the CASA Volunteer is inducted in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court by a local judge! This is a wonderful moment where CASA Staff, Board and supporters come together to show our continued support for you in your upcoming journey as a CASA.

Following induction, you will meet with your assigned Advocate Manager to choose a case in your area to serve! Your Advocate Manager will show you the available cases so you can decide what might be a good match for you.

For more information, click here to download our timeline which gives more information about each step. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jamie DiNardo.