The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program provides volunteers the opportunity to advocate for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. The volunteer forms a relationship with the child by visiting the child and going on outings. The volunteer talks with family members, case managers, school officials, foster parents, treatment providers, and others who are knowledgeable on the child's history and the facts of the case. Based on that information, the volunteer makes reports to the court concerning the status of the case, any concerns the volunteer may have, and recommendations the volunteer wishes to make regarding the child's best interest.
The program provides the volunteer with the unique experience of connecting with a child in need, but also allows the volunteer to have a voice in that child's life. The children in the system often have little to no consistency and continuity in their lives. The volunteer offers trust, stability, and advocacy during a time of turmoil. The fact that the volunteer works with the child throughout the "life of the case" sends the message that the child is important and people do care.
The volunteer must be at least 21 years of age and is required to go have an interview and screening process including fingerprinting and a polygraph test. If the potential volunteer passes that process they will be sent to a two-day training in
Phoenix. After the potential volunteer completes the screening and training they are ready for case assignment.
Volunteers are required to make a 2 year commitment to the CASA Program.
Please contact Patricia Biddix, CASA Coordinator: (520) 740-5083 or (email this person).
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