Our mission is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the juvenile courts. We promote and support community-based volunteers, certified by the Supreme Court, who provide quality advocacy to help assure each child a safe, permanent, nurturing home.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are appointed by a juvenile court judge to act as advocates for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect and placed in protective custody. CASA volunteers regularly visit their appointed child and can be described as "independent gatherers of information." They interview all parties involved in the child's life, including biological parents, foster parents, teachers, therapists, and others. The CASA volunteer then submits a written report to the judge advocating for the child's best interests.

A CASA volunteer ...

• Develops a positive relationship with the child
• Monitors physical and mental health, educational and social needs of the child
• Ensures progress of the case toward a permanent and safe home environment for the child
• Writes and submits court reports that provide insight to the Juvenile Court Judge
• CASAs are the only volunteers who are appointed by a judge and empowered to stand up for an abused or neglected child in court.

Skills

Child Advocate: A CASA volunteer is not required to have any specific educational or professional background. We provide all necessary training, including courtroom procedure, the juvenile justice system, social services, and the special needs of abused and neglected children.

Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must successfully complete the application and screening process
• Must attend 30 hours of Pre-Service Training
• Commits an average of 3-5 hours a week to case-related activities

We welcome volunteers from all cultures, professions, and educational backgrounds.

Visit us on our website at www.CASAofPinalCounty.org