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Training/Support Plan:
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CASA volunteers are required to attend approximately 30 hours
of pre-service training and 12 hours of in-service training annually. A portion of the in-service training shall include
attendance at a court hearing with the Volunteer Supervisor and the CASA actively involved in the
case.
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CASA volunteers are to follow guidelines established by the
National CASA Association.
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CASA volunteers will have access to additional training
opportunities offered by other agencies.
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CASA volunteers shall receive direct supervision and guidance from
program staff.
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CASA volunteers are encouraged to call the CASA office or their
supervisor at
any time with any questions/concerns.
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Volunteers can
contact the CASA office as often as needed. There will will
be monthly contact between the CASA and the office to ensure the
volunteer the volunteer is being supported. Contact can be
by email, phone, in person or by fax.
Time Commitment:
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Volunteers are required to make a twelve-month commitment to the
program. It
is best for the children if a CASA is committed for
the duration of the case. This may entail an 18+-month
commitment.
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Volunteers are required to attend all court hearings on their
cases – approximately 4 per year.
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Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment and to
accept cases immediately upon completion of pre-service training,
unless other arrangements have been made.
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CASA volunteers, on the average, spend 10 – 15 hours a month on
each case or as many as necessary to “work” the case.
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Volunteers are expected to maintain an accurate accounting of time
spent on a case and submit a monthly report.
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Necessary Knowledge and Skills (other requirements):
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Ability to keep all client and court information confidential.
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Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
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Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds.
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Ability to transport self.
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Ability to deal with hostility, anger and other emotional
attitudes.
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Ability to maintain objectivity.
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Ability to gather and record factual information accurately.
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A basic understanding of child development and family
relationships.
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Good common sense.
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Does not require specific educational training beyond a high
school diploma or GED.
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Must be 21 years of age.
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Benefits:
Although we cannot provide you with monetary rewards, there are many
benefits to volunteering as a CASA. These include the opportunity
to:
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Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a
victim of abuse, abandonment, exploitation, and/or neglect;
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Help a child/children find permanency in a safe, loving home;
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Assist
judges in obtaining a clearer picture of a child’s life as well as
the child’s wants, needs and desires;
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Gain an understanding of the Juvenile courts, legal
proceedings, and social service agencies;
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Develop/utilize communication skills;
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Develop/utilize assertiveness;
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Utilize your past experience/skills;
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Form friendships with like-minded people in your community;
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Have access to training statewide.
If you are interested in
becoming a CASA and speaking up for a child who needs your voice,
please contact your CASA for Lancaster County office for more information.
Download our volunteer application HERE.
Download our CASA job description HERE.
Email CASA for Lancaster
County
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