volunteer AdvocateS

 

CASA-NYC’s volunteer Advocates are a diverse group of nearly 300 civic-minded New Yorkers who come together for the unique purpose of working on behalf of New York City’s foster children. Supported by licensed social workers and attorneys, volunteer Advocates make a thorough assessment of the needs and best interests of each child, collaborate with case workers, family members and attorneys, and report to the court at every hearing to provide critical information to assist judges in making informed decisions. They help children and families access needed services such as physical or mental health services, substance abuse counseling or special education, and monitor each child’s situation to ensure they remain safe.

 
 
 

Give Hope to a Child or Youth

Advocate for a child in need. Become a CASA volunteer.

Do you want to help children and youth in foster care find loving homes where they can thrive? Are you 21 years old and able to commit at least five hours of weekly service for a minimum of one year? Take the first step in becoming involved by attending an information session.

We can’t wait to meet you!

 

Steps to Becoming an Advocate

 

APPLICATION & SCREENING

 
 
 

TRAINING

  • After your application and screening is complete, CASA-NYC staff will contact you to let you know if you will be invited to a training class. We are fortunate to have many qualified applicants and prioritize applicants with the skills, qualifications and availability most in need.

  • Participate in a 35-hour pre-service training.

  • Pre-service training takes place 3-4 times per year, based on staff capacity to facilitate training and supervise new volunteers. 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. Please be patient with us if we are not able to fit you into a training class right away! We will continuously update you about upcoming training schedules.

 
 
 

BECOME A COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE

  • 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.

  • Take an oath of confidentiality and be sworn in as a CASA by a family court judge.

  • Observe court proceedings with your supervisor to gain a deeper understanding of your role as a CASA in the court room.

  • Be assigned to one or two cases of children or youth in foster care.

  • Work closely with your supervisor to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the children you serve.

  • 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.

 

Advocate Job Description

Objective

To provide diligent advocacy to ensure children in foster care have their needs met and rights protected; that they are moved out of foster care as quickly as possible; and that older youth aging out of foster care have the support and resources they need to live independently.

Qualifications

  • Completion of all screening requirements, which include a written application, interview, references, criminal background checks, and clearance with the New York State Central Register for Child Abuse and Maltreatment

  • Completion of 40-hour new advocate core training

  • Must be at least 21 years of age

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to take initiative, work independently and navigate complex systems

  • Willingness and ability to travel throughout NYC when necessary

  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the NYC child welfare system

  • Knowledge of NYC government agencies and community resources a strong plus

  • Commitment to dedicate at least 3-5 hours each week on each case assigned, more if necessary

  • Commitment to serve for a minimum of one year after case assignment, or until an assigned case is closed

  • Computer literacy

  • Bilingual applicants strongly preferred

  • Applicants who reflect the racial, ethnic, economic and linguistic diversity of New York City communities are strongly encouraged to apply

  • Candidates may not be employed in a position and/or agency that might result in a conflict of interest

Responsibilities

  • Interview appropriate parties involved in the case to assess needs and determine whether necessary services are being provided to child and family; this may include interviewing child, parents, foster parents, teachers, service providers, attorneys for all parties, and other relevant resources

  • Participate in court hearings, foster care agency meetings and other relevant conferences and meetings when possible

  • Advocate diligently for the provision of services that are necessary for a child’s well-being or in the child’s best interest

  • Advocate diligently to protect the rights of children at all times

  • Advocate diligently for services for parents that will assist parents in reunifying with children, when the goal is reunification

  • Submit progress noted to supervisor bi-weekly

  • Respond promptly to inquiries by attorneys, court personnel, parents, children, youth, CASA staff and all related parties

  • Maintain accurate and complete records and documentation about all activities related to the case, including appointments, interviews, and information gathered about the child and family’s services

  • Submit written reports concerning the facts of the case to the court at all hearings

  • Gather information and report findings to the court without bias and discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, race, ethnicity or national origin

  • Maintain complete confidentiality regarding information about the child, as well as information regarding other parties involved in the case

  • Exhibit professionalism in behavior and appearance

  • Notify supervisor immediately to request removal from a case if Advocate becomes aware of conflict of interest, including relationship to any party to the case

  • Respect a child’s inherent right to grow up with dignity in a safe environment

  • Report any new incidents of child abuse or neglect to the CASA supervisor and the State Central Registry

  • Complete a minimum of 12 hours per year of in-service training, either provided by CASA or by outside providers approved by CASA supervisor

  • Meet with supervisor in person at least monthly, for individual or group supervision

  • Maintain contact with supervisor by phone or email at least weekly

Have Questions?

Email Volunteer Services at volunteer@casa-nyc.org or call at 212-918-4753.