Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children of New York City

FAQ for Volunteers

What does a CASA volunteer advocate do?

For 30 years, New York City Family Court Judges have been assigning the most difficult cases to CASA. CASA’s trained and supervised volunteers—more than 150 strong—represent the child’s best interests in court.

CASA volunteers conduct thorough research on the background of the case, reviewing documents and interviewing all parties involved. They report to the court, raising issues of concern that may interfere with a child’s best interests and providing information that will help the judge make an informed decision.

CASA volunteers can also play a pivotal role in assuring that a child or family is receiving services the court has ordered, such as physical or mental health services, substance abuse counseling or special education.

During the life of a case, the CASA volunteer monitors the child’s situation to assure he or she remains safe. The volunteer may be the only constant in the child’s life as it moves through the bureaucratic maze of the child welfare system.

Who are the CASA volunteer advocates?

CASA volunteers come from all backgrounds. They include men and women with a variety of professional and educational experience. Many work full time. Some are students or retired people. No legal or social service experience is required. The only requirements are to be at least 21 years of age and to have a strong desire to help children who are in dire need of help.

What does it take to be a CASA volunteer advocate?

Commitment.
When you take on a CASA case, you take on a child’s future. Becoming a CASA volunteer requires a strong commitment. Candidates must complete an application and interview process, be cleared through a criminal background investigation as well as the New York State Central Registry for Child Abuse, and successfully complete a 30-hour orientation course. Volunteers should be prepared to spend around five hours per week on their cases for a minimum commitment of one year.

Objectivity.
CASA’s role is to represent the best interests of the child. That may not always mean what the child wants. CASA advocates must be able to talk to everyone involved in a case and remain objective.

Good Communication Skills.
CASA advocates must be able to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people from healthcare professionals to school officials to parents. The advocates present written reports to the court providing accurate and comprehensive information about the status of the case.

Training.
All CASA volunteers must complete a 30-hour core-training course. The course covers topics such as child welfare, family dynamics, diversity, advocacy techniques, communication skills and the family court legal process.

CASA advocates are also offered in-service trainings on specific topics ranging from adolescent behavior to early childhood services to community resources for families.

How many children in Foster Care does CASA-NYC serve?

CASA-NYC currently has 150 CASA volunteer advocates who served more than 1,400 children in foster care in 2008.

How are CASA volunteer advocates regarded by the court system?

“CASA is a wonderful example of how ordinary citizens can contribute to the well-being of their communities by brightening the future, one child at a time.” (2004 State of the Judiciary Address)

—The Honorable Judith S. Kaye, Chief Judge (retired),
State of New York

“Our CASA volunteers are absolutely invaluable, providing the court and all parties with essential information, garnered from the child and a variety of sources.” (2005 State of the Judiciary Address)

—The Honorable Judith S. Kaye, Chief Judge (retired),
State of New York

“CASA volunteers—phenomenal members of the public—provide a vital resource by reporting to the court on children and family needs, and monitoring compliance with orders in child abuse and neglect cases.” (2006 State of the Judiciary Address)

—The Honorable Judith S. Kaye, Chief Judge (retired),
State of New York

“We turn to CASA with our most difficult foster care cases. CASA is another set of quality eyes and ears for the family court judges in the community, and their objective recommendations represent sound research into the best solution for the welfare of the child. CASA has earned the court’s trust.”

—The Honorable Joseph M. Lauria, Administrative Judge (retired),
Family Court of the City of New York

How effective are the CASA volunteer advocates?

In 2006, the US Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit of the National CASA Association, as required by Congress. The results of this audit were released in January 2007. The report demonstrated that a child who has a CASA volunteer is far less likely to languish in long-term foster care. The children are also more likely to receive needed services, such as therapy, health care and educational supports. Fewer than 10% of foster children assigned a CASA volunteer reenter the child protective service system.

How do I apply to become a volunteer CASA advocate in NYC?