GetInvolved

GetInvolved

Be a part of the solution!

Take the first step to becoming a CASA advocate:

VOLUNTEER!

CASAVolunteer_ChildCASA volunteers are everyday people – teachers, business people, retirees, stay-at-home moms, and grandparents – who are committed to making a difference for children who might otherwise slip through the cracks in an overburdened foster care system. They are appointed by judges to guide one child or one set of siblings through the system to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. CASA volunteers research case records and speak to each person involved in a child’s life, including family members, teachers, doctors, lawyers, and social workers. They monitor the progress of the child and family throughout the case and advocate for the child’s current and future needs in court in school, and in agency meetings. Their independent evaluations allow the court to make better informed decisions.

Because CASAs serve on one case at a time, they truly get to know the child and can give each case the sustained, personal attention it deserves.

We invite you to join our family of volunteers and make a difference in a child’s life – and your own.

Qualifications

A CASA Volunteer must:

  • Be 21 years of age or older.
  • Successfully pass screening and background check requirements.
  • Successfully complete initial training provided by the CASA of Cameron and Willacy Counties program.
    (30 hours of initial training plus 3 hours of courtroom observation & 12 hours of continuing education)
  • Be able to make a 12-month minimum commitment to a case.
    (An average of 10-15 hours per month)
  • Be able to keep information confidential and work within established program guidelines.

We are currently accepting applications for our next Volunteer Training.        

READY TO SPEAK UP FOR A CHILD WHO NEEDS YOU?

Become a volunteer

 


NOMINATE A CASA

Whether or not you decide to take the first step to becoming a CASA volunteer today, you can continue to keep the CASA momentum moving forward in your community by nominating someone else like you! If you know someone who you feel has the heart, strength and compassion to speak up for abused and neglected children, let them know by nominating them today.
We’ll send them information on becoming a CASA volunteer and let them know you think so highly of them!

 


Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I take care of the children in my home?

No. You should visit with the children at their placement. Also, our program does not allow you to transport the children to any location. The children will remain with their caregiver at all times.

Do I have time for this?

Many of our CASA Volunteers have full-time schedules and are able to successfully fulfill their responsibilities as a CASA Volunteer. There are typically four to five court dates and meetings that are scheduled during the daytime hours, but other CASA responsibilities (such as visiting the children, writing court reports, communicating with the parties involved in the case, etc.) can be completed according to your own schedule every month.

I have little or no experience with the court system. Does this matter?

Our training includes an introduction to the court set-up and process. We will discuss everyone’s roles in court and what you can expect to do and see there. Additionally, there will be a casework supervisor assigned to work with you at each step along the way. They will be present with you at court hearings.

There are twelve hours of continuing education that are required every year. How do I complete this?

We host webinars, in-services, and other types of informative discussions throughout the year. These trainings are led by professionals in the community and the state on a variety of topics.

When is your next training?

Please check our calendar for the next training. We hold training Mondays – Thursdays from 5:30pm – 8:30pm and we are currently accepting applications. Call (956) 546-6545 for an application.

For our FAQs in English/Spanish, please click here.