Volunteer

Become a CASA

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), you would establish and maintain contact with a child, interview his or her parents, social workers, teachers, and others, and submit a written recommendation to the court outlining what is best for the child. You would become the “eyes and ears” for the judge and help ensure that “your” child does not become lost in the court system. If you care and have about 10 hours a month to spend, being a CASA can be very gratifying work.

Become a Volunteer

There are numerous ways to help CASA. We have a continual need for office help, people who can volunteer a half day each week on a regular basis. In addition, we need people to help coordinate fund raising and other activities.

Become a Friend of CASA

Friends of CASA sponsors annual fund raisers including Hearts for Children and others… Corporate/business sponsorships through event underwriting are greatly needed. You could also assist by attending the events, serving on a committee, or donating merchandise or services to be used as auction items.

Steps to Become a CASA

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer appointed by a judicial

What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)?

There are numerous ways to help CASA. Office help, fundraising, special events, etc.

CASA Training

Quarterly training to prepare our foster child advocates for their advocacy role.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

CASA has an established Internship program for students. If you are interested in participating

CASA Volunteer FAQ

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are much more than mentors.

En Español

CASA – Defensores Especiales Nombrados por la Corte (Court Appointed Special Advocate en inglés)

Steps to Become a Volunteer

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer appointed by a judicial officer to provide advocacy for a child who is under the jurisdiction of the courts due to abuse or neglect. The CASA serves as the “eyes and ears” of the judge for children in foster care. Volunteers spend time with children, monitor needed services, and provide child-focused recommendations to the court based on the best interest of the children they serve. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), you would establish and maintain contact with a child, interview social workers, teachers, and others professionals involved and submit a written recommendation to the court outlining what is best for the child. If you care and have about 10 hours a month to spend, being a CASA can be very gratifying work.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary work for abused, neglected and abandoned children and youth in foster care in our community.

As sworn officers of the court, CASA volunteers are appointed by a juvenile court judge to advocate one-on-one for children and youth in foster care. As an advocate you will be a powerful voice for a child or youth during their uncertain journey in the foster care system.

You don’t have to be a lawyer or social worker. CASA of Sonoma County will provide you with the training you need to succeed.

CASA volunteers come from various walks of life. They share the willingness and ability to commit two years, and 10 hours a month, to a foster child or youth to make a difference.

Ready!

Step 1: Sign up for an Informational Session (Orientation). We offer Orientation Sessions that are designed so every participant leaves with a clear understanding of what it means to be a CASA volunteer. Attending an Informational Session is required for each potential volunteer before submitting an application. We encourage you to review our CASA Volunteer Brochure prior to the orientation. Orientations take place virtually over Zoom or in-person at our CASA of Sonoma County office by appointment. To schedule an appointment please contact our training coordinator. By Phone: Please contact our office at (707) 565-6375 By E-mail: tccasa@sonomacasa.org click here to send an email.

Set!

Step 2: Excited to be a CASA volunteer?

To be scheduled for an interview, you will need:

Copy of your driver license
Copy of your automobile proof-of-insurance card
Application

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Application:

Thank you for your interest in becoming a CASA volunteer and taking time to complete our application. This application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and must be submitted before your pre-training interview.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS APPLICATION CAN ONLY BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY. The application cannot be saved so you need to complete it in one sitting. You do have the ability to print a copy of the application so you can review the questions and gather information before getting started.
You will be asked for 3 references. One reference from a recent employer (or volunteer role), one from someone who has seen you interact with children, and one personal reference. Please provide complete and current emails.
All information provided is held in the strictest confidence and is encrypted and safeguarded against electronic tampering by Optima.
Be sure to press the “SUBMIT” button at the end.
You can open the application by clicking here

Questions?
Contact our Training Coordinator

707-565-6375 or tccasa@sonomacasa.org

Step 3: Congratulations! You’ve completed the interview process and all required security screening and have been accepted into Volunteer Initial Training. The next step is to complete Volunteer Initial Training, which consists of 40 hours of classroom training, and post-training site visits to other organizations assisting our youth.

CASA of Sonoma County conducts quarterly training sessions each year which are held in the fall, winter and spring and summer. Classes are taught by CASA staff, volunteers, and experienced professionals from the various disciplines and agencies who work with foster children during the dependency process.

Go!

Step 4: After you complete Volunteer Initial Training and are sworn in as an officer of the juvenile court, the final step in the process is to be matched with the child or youth that you will advocate for.

What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)?

There are numerous ways to help CASA. Office help, fundraising, special events, etc.

If you’re ready to give children hope in Sonoma County, contact us today!

CASA OF SONOMA COUNTY VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

Reports to: CASA Volunteer Supervisor (Case Supervisor)

Responsible to: CASA of Sonoma County Executive Director and Sonoma County Juvenile Court Judge

General Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. Each CASA must demonstrate the desire and willingness and ability to help and mentor a child, make at least two years commitment, attend CASA training sessions, successfully complete a CASA background screening, receive CASA program staff supervision, work effectively alongside other foster care system professionals, and report to the Court.

Roles and Responsibilities (according to California Rule of Court 5.655)

  1. Establish a relationship with a child in foster care to better understand the child’s needs and desires:
    1. Develop a relationship with the court dependent child by meeting with him/her on a weekly basis.
    2. Provide a positive role model for the child while teaching him/her self-confidence, trust, and other developmental behaviors.
  2. Support the child throughout court proceedings:
    1. Learn about the foster care and dependency court systems;
    2. Explain the court proceedings to the child;
    3. Attend each hearing with or without the child;
    4. Help “interpret” what is going on in court while at court with the child, or following court.
  3. Explain the CASA volunteer’s role, duties and responsibilities to all parties associated with the case.
  4. Review available records regarding the child’s family history, school behavior, medical or mental health history, etc.
  5. Identify and explore potential resources that will facilitate family preservation, early family reunification, or alternative permanency planning.
  6. Interview all parties involved with the child regarding the child’s circumstances and needs, as determined by the CASA plan developed with the CASA Advocate Supervisor.
  7. Communicate the child’s needs to the court in written reports and recommendation.
  8. Ensure that the court-approved plans for the child are being implemented.
  9. Familiarize yourself with the case plan.
  10. Maintain regular contact with the social worker.
  11. Investigate the interest of the child in judicial or administrative proceedings outside of juvenile court.
  12. Communicate and coordinate efforts with the child’s social worker, probation officer, and attorney.
  13. Other duties and responsibilities as determined by the presiding juvenile court judge or a designee.

Additional Requirements:

  1. Attend 30 hours of CASA class training and 10 hours of field visits and observations.
  2. Submit monthly volunteer activity logs to the CASA office.
  3. Submit draft of court report at least one month before court hearing date.
  4. Maintain regular contact with your CASA Advocate Supervisor.
  5. Attend a mandatory 60-day case review meeting.
  6. Acquire 12 hours per year of in-service training.
  7. Stay with the child until the case has been closed by the court or CASA has been dismissed.
  8. Notify the office immediately if no longer able to serve as a CASA volunteer.
  9. Maintain confidentiality regarding the CASA child and his/her case.
 

Advocates are prohibited from:

  1. Talking about a CASA child, their family, or any court proceedings with persons not involved with the case, such as family members, friends, co-workers, etc;
  2. Taking a child to the CASA volunteer’s home;
  3. Introducing their CASA child to their families and other persons in their personal life;
  4. Working with a child with who they are either related or have a prior relationship with;
  5. Giving legal advice or therapeutic counseling;
  6. Giving money or expensive gifts to the child or family;
  7. Making any placement arrangements on the child’s behalf;
  8. Being employed in a position and /or with another agency/organization that might result in a conflict of interest; and
  9. Any other activities prohibited by the local juvenile court and foster care system.

CASA Training

The CASA of Sonoma County Program offers quarterly training to prepare our foster child advocates for their advocacy role.

Please call 707-565-6375 or email us if you would like to sign up or would like more information about attending the CASA training.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

Winter 2025:
January 13th – 24th

Spring 2025:
April 14th – 25th

Summer 2025:
July 14th – 24th

Fall 2025:
October 14th – 23rd

Other Ways to Get Involved

Internships
CASA has an established Internship program for students. If you are interested in participating, please contact our Executive Director, Heloisa Heinen, at 707-565-6375.

Volunteer Office Advocates
CASA is always in need in volunteer Office Advocates, an integral part of our daily operations. Office Advocates help run the front office, prepare for important meetings and training sessions, and coordinate events, etc. If you want to volunteer for CASA, but do not have enough time to take on a child’s case, this is another great way to help out. If you ‘re interested, please contact our Executive Director, Heloisa Heinen, at 707-565-6375.

Event Volunteers
CASA is always in need in volunteer event workers. If you would like to be a part of our annual fundraisers (Hearts for Children, etc…), or help staff our event booths throughout the year, please contact our Executive Director, Heloisa Heinen, at 707-565-6375.

Board of Directors (Volunteer)
If you are interested in sitting on the Board for CASA of Sonoma County, please contact our Executive Director, Heloisa Heinen, at 707-565-6375.

CASA Volunteer FAQ

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are much more than mentors. They are sworn officers of the court, appointed by a juvenile court judge to advocate one-on-one for children or youth who are the victims of abuse and neglect and in the foster care system. Volunteer advocates can significantly influence a child or youth’s life during the journey from foster care to a safe, permanent home. Through their advocacy efforts CASA volunteers provide hope, increased opportunity, consistency, and a better life for children and youth in the court’s care. They help to end the cycle of abuse and neglect — making a difference for generations to come.
All child advocates must complete the required orientation and training program, criminal/background check and meet with our Sonoma County CASA Executive Director for approval in order to accept a case. CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, and be able to relate to people of different cultural backgrounds. Child advocates must also have a valid California driver’s license (for three consecutive years), and all vehicles that might be used to transport youth must be insured. It is desirable that the volunteers have effective oral and written communication skills, and it is required that they maintain objectivity and keep the confidentiality of the children, their families, and court records. They must adhere to the mission, rules and guidelines of the Juvenile Court and Sonoma County Court Appointed Special Advocates program, and comply with required paperwork in a timely manner.
It will depend on such factors as the child’s circumstances, the distance of the placement, and the age of the child. Typically you will meet with your child once a week or every other week. During the off weeks, you may make phone calls to check in with your child. The average volunteer puts in about 10-12 hours per month of service. The important thing is to spend consistent and meaningful time with the child.
It varies from person to person, case to case. But on average, the minimum time spent is 10-12 hours per month. The volunteer is the pace setter for interactions and the type of activities you engage in. Working with the foster parents, social worker and the CASA Volunteer Supervisor is advised at all times. Some visitation may need prior approval.
The minimum commitment is two years. However we want you to be there for this child and case duration will vary. Usually this is discussed at placement.
After all paperwork has been completed, and you have been cleared, you will be notified and an appointment set up. You will meet with a placement worker who will work with you to match you with a youth with whom you feel comfortable. You will then review the CASA office file thoroughly. The first person you call is the child’s Social Worker to discuss current case circumstances and location of the youth’s shelter. At this meeting with the social worker you will discuss your child and copy paperwork. From here on out each case is different. You will want to arrange your first meeting with your child. Then you will want to meet with the child’s attorney, others such as the County Office of Education, then the child’s school teacher, therapist (if applicable), and other authority figures in this child’s life, in order to gain as much information about this child as possible. Be sure to carry extra copies of your court order with you at all times.
Social workers are very busy and we can not stress enough tolerance and understanding. However you should call a CASA “Volunteer Supervisor” should be made it you find yourself not getting calls returned in a timely fashion. You should not expect a social worker to be at their desk all the time. In fact most workers are in the field 60 -75% of the time. It is important that when you do call, that you leave a clear and concise message in addition to your name and number for contact (usually your cell number). Be sure to advise when is the best time the social worker can reach you, or offer to call back at a certain time if that is more convenient for them. Often a social worker may already be working on your particular concern, but just may not have had the time to return your call. The most successful CASA volunteers have professional relationships and consistent interactions with their social workers. Do not fall into the routine of only calling your worker when you have a problem. We all like to hear the good stuff you’re doing and seeing on your case.
The CASA staff try very hard to keep you informed about any changes or paperwork we receive from the courts, group homes and social workers relating to your case. The paperwork does not always come in at the same time or even in the same envelope. Because of the volume of correspondence we receive. it is necessary to delegate and share, which may mean that two different people will end up with information regarding the same child. So, on occasion a CASA may receive more than one phone call from the CASA office on a given day. It is important to make sure all information is coming your way. We would not want you to miss anything.
You will make your appointment with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department. Your training coordinator will give you the direct contact phone number.
Appearing in court to observe a court session is the best way to prepare for your first court appearance. Please call for an appointment to appear in court, dress appropriately and let the office know when you have completed this part of your training by adding your visit to your monthly volunteer log. Sonoma County Hall of Justice – Dependency Court Room 600 Administration Drive Room 249J Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Courtroom 5 (707) 565-3072 Info Map & Directions Juvenile Dependency Court Information Website
Yes, the judges understand that CASA volunteers have more time to get to know the child and provide the most up-to-date and accurate information about the child. This is invaluable to them in making the best possible decision for the child.
CASA volunteers gather information and prepare reports regarding the best interests and needs of the child. CASA volunteers are legally appointed to their child and have access to confidential information such as school and medical records. They also help locate resources for the child.
CASA provides a Volunteer Supervisor for direct support. When you call for assistance, be sure to ask the receptionist for the “Volunteer Supervisor of the Day” before discussing your case. The Volunteer Supervisor is able to provide information about your child’s case, court information, reports and rules about the CASA program. You will also have staff available at the Mandatory 60- Day Case Review, which is required every 60 days. CASA will also be providing you information about continuing education, activities for you and your CASA youth, and other information that might concern your involvement with CASA. CASA also has 24 hour supervision available by calling the field line, which is 707-332-9427. If you forget this number remember you can call the office and an after-hours message will guide you.
The foster children live in children’s homes, foster homes and group homes throughout Sonoma County. Some have been there just a few days, and have been there for several months. Getting to know the rules and behavioral programs in the home where your child is living is important. Always develop educated and meaningful relationships with the shelter workers and foster parents.
This will depend on the age and interests of the child, as well as your own interests and the guidelines of their caregivers. Community work and community events are a great way to engage children in healthy and meaningful activities. Volunteer together, go to the library, work out together by walking or joining the YMCA or YWCA. If you are working with a teen, you might spend time walking around the mall or playing ball. If you are working with a younger child you might go to the park, play a game, build a model, Go for a walk, have a picnic, or read. Of course youth love going to a movie or out for pizza, but playing a game or just window shopping also can be fun. A phone call goes along way to help youth feel connected on those days you can not see the youth. If you are on vacation and can not call, you might send a postcard. Also watch our website, your email and snail mail– CASA is always offering activities and ideas for fun with youth. Visit our events and activities pages.
Sonoma CASA discourages extravagant gift giving. However, modest gifts are allowed on birthdays and special holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Always consider what is allowed / not allowed at the place where they are living, and keep in mind if siblings are living in the home.
You may be able to with the permission of the CASA office and the social worker. You will need to complete a travel request form at the CASA office prior to any travel outside of Sonoma County. These forms are available at Case Reviews (“Case Review” has now been officially changed to “60 Day Mandatory Review”). Please note that volunteers are never allowed to keep children overnight.
Water sports and activities are one of the most risky recreational activities in which we can engage our children. It is very important that all activities around water obtain prior approval and the activity must be in approved areas where lifeguards are on duty. No exceptions please.
The children you are working with are youth that may already have moms and dads. These youths are also looking for places to live and people to take care of them while they are away from their parents. When we engage the children with our families and take them to our homes we are crossing a fine line of becoming more of what the children see as foster parents or potential places to live. In some cases the children even see you as a potential adoptive parent. Therefore, we as a CASA program, have rules to help you keep your boundaries and have found that the line between an advocate and a potential foster parent is best kept as clean as possible These children have enough people letting them down, and we do not want to become one of these individuals. You are a youth advocate and you must keep your boundaries clean and your motivation for becoming involved objective and professional. We, as staff, do however want you to know that we realize our children have many needs. Please, always talk with a volunteer supervisor when your emotions become charged and you are feeling confused about the many rules we have as CASA volunteers.
It is very appropriate and understandable that the staff require you to meet with the child on site several times before they will allow you to take the child off-site. Think about how you might feel being taken away by a complete stranger. Also, this time allows the staff to observe behaviors and to see how you interact with each other. It is very important that you also observe behaviors and know what to expect before leaving the site. We are thinking of your safety as well.
There are many other ways that you can help CASA. We often need help with special events, mailings, and fund raising activities. Call our office and find out what opportunities are available for you. Some of these activities are fun to do with your child, too. If you find that donating your time is not possible, a financial donation is always welcome. Please see our donation page for more information.

En Español

¿QUÉ ES CASA?  

CASA – Defensores Especiales Nombrados por la Corte (Court Appointed Special Advocate en inglés) del Condado de Sonoma es una organización no lucrativa que trabaja en conjunto con la Corte de Dependencia Juvenil del Condado de Sonoma y la oficina de Servicios a Familias y Niños para proveer Defensores Voluntarios para aquellos niños y jóvenes referidos por la Corte.

¿QUÉ ES UN VOLUNTARIO DE CASA?

Los voluntarios de CASA son miembros de la comunidad que han sido cuidadosamente seleccionados y capacitados para trabajar directamente con niños y jóvenes cuyas familias están involucradas con la Corte de Dependencia Juvenil. Ellos son funcionarios de la Corte y trabajan en estrecha colaboración con un supervisor empleado por CASA, quien le provee apoyo y dirección.

CASAs sirven como la voz del niño dentro del sistema de dependencia y cuidan de los intereses de los niños y se aseguran de que los intereses de los niños sean atendidos de la mejor manera. Ellos trabajan uno a uno con los niños de cuidado de crianza, proveyendo apoyo emocional y educacional crítico, asegurándose que las necesidades de cada niño sean cumplidas y al mismo tiempo su voz sea escuchada, mientras estos navegan por el sistema.

Voluntarios generalmente visitan al niño/joven una vez por semana. Las visitas pueden incluir salidas a paseos dentro de la comunidad. Para jóvenes de 18-21 años, voluntarios funcionan como mentores y ayudan con la transición a la independencia.

Voluntarios están en comunicación con abogados y trabajadores sociales, y además de visitas regulares con el niño/joven a quien están asignados, ellos también se hacen responsables de revisar registros de información relacionados con el caso y de entablar comunicación con cualquier persona presentemente involucrada en la vida del niño/joven. Esto incluiría a los padres, miembros de la familia, terapeutas, y maestros. Los Voluntarios se dedican a familiarizarse con los intereses y necesidades del niño/joven, al igual que los puntos fuertes de él o ella y de su familia. Con toda la información reunida, el Voluntario escribe informes o reportes a la Corte y hace recomendaciones al Juez referente a la seguridad y el bienestar del niño/joven.

Nota: Muchos de nuestros voluntarios son bilingües pero nuestras sesiones de información SON SOLO en inglés y todas las comunicaciones serán en inglés. Únase a nosotros para hacer la diferencia un niño a la vez.

Como voluntarios de CASA, tendrás la oportunidad de:

  1. Completar un programa de formación integral
  2. Jurar enfrente de un juez como un defensor especial designado por la corte (CASA).
  3. Escoger un niño de CASA. Nuestro personal te ayudara a revisar varios casos para escoger a un niño y emparejarte con él.
  4. Tendrás acceso a cada aspecto del caso de su niño de CASA, incluyendo juntas con los maestros, trabajadores sociales, abogados y familia de crianza.
  5. Proveer reportes a las cortes relacionadas con las necesidades y mejores intereses del niño.
 

Un voluntario de CASA puede significar una gran influencia en la vida de un niño de cuidado de crianza dentro y fuera del edificio de la corte. Al ser voluntario trabajando uno-a-uno con el niño usted le muestra compasión durante su jornada hacia un hogar seguro, lleno de amor y permanente. Los estudios demuestran que la presencia de un adulto de apoyo estable en la vida de un niño puede afectar profundamente el futuro de ese niño.

Al mismo tiempo, usted tiene la oportunidad de enriquecer su propia vida. En una encuesta reciente, el 99% de nuestros voluntarios informaron de que su experiencia como voluntario fue satisfactorio, y en muchos casos fue una experiencia que cambio sus vidas.

 ¿POR QUÉ SER VOLUNTARIO DE CASA?

Los hechos del cuidado de crianza y defensores de niños del Condado de Sonoma:

  1. 45% de los niños en el sistema de bienestar de menores en el condado de Sonoma son latino o Latina.
  2. Los defensores de niños del condado de Sonoma proporcionan estabilidad y esperanza a los niños que han sufrido abuso y negligencia de menores.
  3. Hay más de 550 niños en el sistema de cuidado de crianza ahora del condado.
  4. Los Voluntarios de CASA son adultos amables y estables durante lo que puede ser un tiempo con muchos cambios y transiciones.
 

LA NECESIDAD

Hay más de 550 niños en el sistema de cuidado de crianza ahora del condado. Los niños de cuidado de crianza se encuentran entre los miembros más vulnerables de nuestra comunidad. Enfrentando la incertidumbre y la decepción que viene al ser desarraigados de su CASA, la escuela, su familia y amigos, estos se convierten en parte del sistema de bienestar de menores sobrecargado y a menudo dividido por las grietas de este sistema.

Estos niños necesitan un adulto en el cual ellos puedan confiar – una voz poderosa para guiarlos y abogar por ellos. ¿Está listo para defender a un niño de cuidado de crianza en su comunidad?

REQUERIMIENTOS PARA SER UN DEFENSOR ESPECIAL DESIGNADO POR LA CORTE

  1. Tener al menos 21 años de edad
  2. Entender y leer ingles
  3. Comprometerse a pasar de 2-4 horas por semana con su niño asignado, por un periodo de aproximadamente dos años
  4. Actualmente no usar drogas ilegales
  5. No tener condena de DWI o DUI dentro de los últimos siete años
  6. No tener condenas por delitos graves (felony)
  7. No estar en libertad condicional
  8. No tener problemas graves de salud física o mental que podrían afectar su capacidad para ser voluntario
  9. No tener previas condenas o cargos pendientes que lo impliquen en un delito sexual o el abuso o negligencia de un menor de edad. Si esto es el caso, bajo ninguna circunstancia se le podría aceptar como voluntario.
¡Pasos para ser voluntario – asista a una sesión informativa!

Tome el primer paso. Asista a una sesión informativa lunes y miércoles 10:00 am, 11:00 am o 12 para obtener más información en inglés.

Comuníquese con Defensores de los niños – CASA del Condado de Sonoma al 707-565-6375 o envíenos un correo electrónico a tccasa@sonomacasa.org. Nuestra Coordinadora hablas español.