 Richmond CASAs participate in a 35 hours of pre-service training, which involves 30 hours of classroom instruction and 5 hours of courtroom observation. Volunteers learn courtroom procedure from judges, lawyers, social workers and court personnel. CASAs also learn effective advocacy techniques for children and are educated about specific topics ranging from child abuse, including sexual abuse, to early childhood development, adolescent behavior, mental health issues, cultural competency, social services, and report writing. Once training is completed, CASAs are sworn in by a Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court judge.
A CASA case manager is always available to discuss your case, help you solve problems and provide any support you may need.
When you take on a case, you take responsibility for a child's future. Some cases are settled in less than a year but some may last longer. The amount of time you spend on a case will vary depending on the progress of the proceedings.
Your role as a CASA is to represent the best interest of the child. You must be able to talk with everyone involved in the case and remain objective in your recommendations.
A child's future depends on your ability to communicate well. As a CASA, you will need to speak with a variety of people, from healthcare professionals to teachers to parents. You will need to be able to present written reports to the court and to speak in the courtroom on behalf of the child. |
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