STEP UP FOR staten island
Become a CASA-NYC Volunteer
What is CASA-NYC?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. We are appointed by family court judges in each borough to help children and families navigate the maze of the NYC child welfare system. CASA's volunteer Advocates provide individualized advocacy and support to ensure children, youth and their families have their needs met and rights protected and have safe, stable and permanent homes.
Learn about our mission and how we work before you attend an information session and submit your application.
How you can help
To address the significant need on Staten Island, we are actively recruiting volunteers to serve as advocates for Staten Island children and youth in foster care and under the supervision of child protective services.
With extensive training and guidance from a CASA-NYC staff member, volunteer Advocates work with children and families, caseworkers and attorneys, to identify and access needed resources and services. Perhaps, most importantly, they become a trusted resource for young people and families involved in child welfare proceedings in the Richmond County Family Court.
Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and able to commit at least 3-5 hours of weekly service for a minimum of one year, or the duration of the family court case.
Make a difference in your community and beyond!
Have Questions?
Email Volunteer Services at volunteer@casa-nyc.org.
Steps to Becoming an Advocate
APPLICATION & SCREENING
Attend an information session.
Submit an application online.
Participate in a phone interview.
Submit 3 personal or professional references.
Pass 3 criminal and child abuse/neglect background checks.
Applicants who reflect the racial, ethnic, economic and linguistic diversity of New York City communities are strongly encouraged to apply
TRAINING
Participate in a 35-hour pre-service training. Classes take place either during all evening hours or all day time hours, and typically alternate each quarter to accommodate the schedules of prospective volunteers.
BECOME A COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE IN STATEN ISLAND
Be assigned to a supervisor who is a masters-level child welfare professional or attorney, who will guide and support your in your work as a CASA. You will be assigned one or two cases of children or youth in foster care.
Spend a minimum of 3-5 hours/week advocating to ensure the children on your case(s) have their needs met and rights are protected.
Participate in a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training annually, meet with your supervisor in person at least monthly, attend court hearings to submit reports to the judge as needed (twice a year or more), and be diligent about maintaining detailed case notes in our online database.