CASA Bristol County Mission: CASA of Bristol County recruits, trains, and supervises
court-appointed volunteers who zealously advocate for the best interest of children who have
experienced or are at risk for experiencing abuse or neglect.
CASA Bristol County Values: Social Justice, Lived Experience, Adaptability, Collaboration,
Respect, Dignity, Empathy, and Integrity. Our full values statement expands on each of these
values which are necessary to dismantle systemic inequities that impact our work at all levels of
the organization from the leadership to those who are most impacted.
What is a CASA?
A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained citizen volunteer appointed by the
Juvenile Court to dependent children under the Juvenile Court’s jurisdiction. CASA’s are
appointed to children at the discretion of the Judge of the Juvenile Court to ensure a child’s
needs are met and their rights are protected.
Requirements of a CASA:
- To assure continuity and effective advocacy for the children assigned to the volunteer, volunteers are expected to make every effort to advocate on their case until its closure or commit to a minimum of 2 years (24 months) of volunteer service.
- Be 21 years of age
- CASA volunteers are expected to devote the necessary time to serve as a CASA volunteer, an average of 10-15 hours per month
- Maintain objectivity and professionalism in dealing with children, parents and all other parties involved in the case
- Possess verbal and written communication skills
- Complete 35 hours of Pre-service Volunteer Training Curriculum by attending training sessions and reviewing all training materials provided by CASA
- Complete 12 hours of continuing education per year
Responsibilities of a CASA:
- To serve as an arm of the Juvenile Court as researcher, monitor, and child advocate
- Interview the child, parents/caregivers, foster parents, and any other concerned parties or relatives
- Review appropriate records and reports
- Confer with counselors, teachers, social workers, etc. involved in the case
- Submit thorough, independent written reports to the court prior to court hearings
- Appear in court as needed to answer questions or testify on findings or recommendations
- Maintain records of all findings and document all contacts
- Visit institutions, foster homes or group homes where a child is placed or may be placed
- Monitor court orders to ensure services to the child are being furnished in a timely manner and placement is appropriate
- Maintain contact with the Executive Director and/or Advocate Supervisor and submit all documentation
- Remain involved in the case until the court’s jurisdiction is terminated
Last updated December 2023 – CASA Bristol is currently in the New Member Support phase of National CASA/GA
