Get Involved
Volunteer
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate
CASA Volunteers are every day citizens who believe that all children deserve to grow up in a safe and loving home and want to play a part in helping to Change a Child’s Story.
To Be a CASA Volunteer:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must have a passion to want to make a change in a child’s life
- You must be able to devote, on average, 10-15 hours per month
- You must be willing to make a year-long commitment to a child or until their case closes in court
Volunteer Application Process
Four steps from application to advocacy.
Training
CASA of Harford County uses a flexible training model that prepares volunteers for the realities of advocacy.
Training covers the child welfare and court processes, needs of children in foster care, trauma, abuse and neglect, working with birth families, advocacy and interviewing techniques, and more. At the completion of the class you will be sworn in by the court as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
Your 30 hour Pre-Service training program includes:
- Weekly online/independent study work completed on your own time in an online classroom
- Weekly group virtual Zoom Sessions with the final class done in person at the CASA Office
- Virtual Court Observations
CASA of Harford County also offers regular in-service training on many subjects relevant to the work the CASA’s do on a daily basis. All volunteers must complete a minimum of 12 hours of ongoing training annually.
Upcoming Training Schedules
What It Takes
The qualities that help every CASA succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are CASA volunteers?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Volunteers come from all walks of life. Many work full time. Some are students or retirees. You do not have to come with any special prior experience with children or the court system.
What exactly does a CASA volunteer do?
Volunteers research the case, interview those involved (including the child), report to the court, help ensure ordered services are delivered, and monitor the child's safety and wellbeing throughout the life of the case.
What type of support do CASAs receive?
All volunteer advocates are assigned a supervisor who works very close with them throughout their work on their cases. They are available to answer any questions and provide guidance that their assigned CASAs need. We are in this with you and are here to provide any support that you may need. We will also provide ongoing training and networking opportunities with other advocates.
Apply Today
Ready to stand up for a child in Harford County?