WHAT IS A CASA?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates and is a Nationwide Organization. CASA of Douglas County is a member of the National Organization and is required to meet a variety of standards and criteria in order to remain a member in good standing. CASA of Douglas County serves all of Douglas County, which includes the Ninth Judicial District of Nevada.
CASA volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates for children appointed by a Judge. CASA volunteers are well-trained men and women who have the time, heart and commitment to listen to a child, investigate the situation and then report back to the Judge regarding the best interests of the child.
CASA volunteers are the voice for children in court as they travel through the court system. Besides meeting and getting to the know the child you are advocating for, a CASA searches for information, reviews records, talks with parents, grandparents, teachers, neighbors and other family in order to write a report and provide the Judge with information about a child’s situation. In an overburdened system where children are at risk of slipping through the cracks, the CASA volunteer’s goal is to see that a child’s best interests are served.
CASA is separate from Child Protective Services, attorneys, social services and any other agency. An advocate is appointed by a Judge to provide an independent, objective recommendation to the Court regarding the child’s best interest.
HOW MANY CHILDREN DOES CASA SERVE?
CASA of Douglas County serves an average of 60 children per year from 40 families. Each CASA volunteer is assigned to the sibling group of a family. Therefore, a volunteer may be assigned to more than one child, depending on how many children are in that family.
CASA of Douglas County advocates for children involved in several different types of court cases. CASA volunteers can be asked to serve children involved in the foster care system, juvenile delinquency system, guardianship or high conflict custody cases.
HOW DO YOU BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
A CASA volunteer must be over the age of 21, and have the willingness and ability to volunteer their time for children in our community. Advocates are expected to communicate effectively and be able to write objective reports to the court. Advocates must complete 30 hours of initial training, pass a background check, and provide three references. All advocates are screened through an interview process to ensure objectivity, competence and commitment. After completing all training and background check requirements, volunteers are sworn in as a CASA. Ongoing case management with a supervisor and 12 hours of continuing education is required each year.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES BEING A CASA REQUIRE?
A CASA volunteer should anticipate approximately 2 hours/week for a case, plus court appearances and report writing. While each case is different, typically the initial investigation and interviews take more time because an advocate is learning about a new situation. Therefore, the first 60 days of a case can take up to 4 hours per week. CASA volunteers are expected to attend court hearings, write reports and meet with the child and family on a regular basis.
Advocates are requested to stay assigned to a child’s case for the duration of the court process, which averages 12-months, but could be longer. Consequently, volunteers are requested to make at least a 12-month commitment to the program once trained.
CASA Links & Resources
CASA of Douglas County Facebook
Learn About Becoming a Foster Parent
Videos
Local Resources
Family Support Council – 775-782-8692
Tahoe Youth and Family Services – 775-782-4202
Division of Child and Family Services (CPS) – 775-684-1930
Douglas County Social Services 775-782-9825
CASA Contacts
Leanne Wagoner
Manager of Court Advocacy Programs
lwagoner@douglas.nv.gov
CASA Douglas County
1038 Buckeye Rd.
P.O. Box 218
Minden, NV 89423
(775) 782-6247 – fax: (775)782-6256