Douglas County CASA volunteers provide comprehensive "best interest" advocacy for children who have experienced abuse and neglect and as a result are under the protection of the court system in Douglas County, Kansas. These trained and supported volunteers investigate, facilitate, monitor, and mentor.
Duties include maintaining regular monthly contact with the child(ren); maintaining contact with parents, foster parents, case managers, and all other case professionals; maintaining the child's case file; attending meetings and court hearings for the assigned case; submitting court reports; advocating for permanency for the child as soon as possible; assessing whether appropriate services are being provided to the child and their family; and monitoring compliance with current court orders.
CASA Volunteer Requirements:
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Must be at least 21 years old
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Must complete application and provide 4 non-relative references and a 7-year residential history.
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Must participate in a pre-training interview with a staff member.
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Must pass all required background and fingerprint checks.
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Must participate in 30+ hours of pre-service training, including in-person classes and homework.
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Must participate in 12 hours of Continuing Education annually.
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Must observe two court hearings.
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Must demonstrate an ability to be objective.
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Must respect confidentiality of all parties.
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Must be sensitive to issues of cultural diversity.
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Must be committed to serving as a CASA for a minimum of one year.
