What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)?
A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer that is appointed by the court as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) to advocate for the best interests of children affected by abuse and neglect. CASAs are everyday people – teachers, business people, retirees, stay-at-home parents, and grandparents – who are committed to making a difference for children and families.
What does a CASA do?
CASAs are appointed by judges to guide one child or one set of siblings through the child welfare system to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. Denton County CASAs serve as Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), which means they are authorized by Texas law to conduct independent investigations and have certain rights and responsibilities in order to do so. CASA volunteers get to know the child, parents, and family in order to provide valuable information to the judge and others involved in the case to help ensure the child’s best interest is being met. They do that by researching and speaking 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. Each volunteer is paired with a staff Casework Supervisor who provides continued, one-on-one guidance and support to the advocate as he/she works a case.
CASAs are expected to make a minimum 18-month commitment to each case, with an average of 12-15 hours of time commitment each month for the duration of the case. They must also be able to keep information confidential and work within established program guidelines.
5 Steps to Become a CASA:
- Attend a one-hour Info Session (virtual or in person) – Click here to see dates and register
- Submit an application along with required materials – application will be emailed to you after Info Session
- Complete an interview with CASA of Denton County staff – we will email you to schedule this
- Complete the 30+hour Advocacy Academy training
- Attend Swearing In Ceremony where you will be sworn in by a judge as a CASA!
*CASA advocates must be at least 21 years of age and successfully pass screening as well as criminal and CPS background checks.