Become a Volunteer Advocate

What advocates do

A CASA volunteer is a sworn officer of the court, appointed by a judge to help define the best interests of an abused or neglected child in juvenile court proceedings. Advocates work with a child or sibling group, investigate the child's circumstances, provide fact-based information, and make recommendations to the court while becoming a source of support for the child. The ultimate goal is to move the child out of temporary placement into a safe and permanent home — a return to the parent's care, adoption, a legal guardian, or another arrangement that satisfies the court and fulfills the child's needs.

What it takes

• Be 21 or older
• Pass a background check and vetting process
• Complete 30 hours of training — hybrid online and in-person
• Give a minimum of 10 hours a month while assigned to a case

After training, you are sworn in by the Presiding Juvenile Court Judge. Volunteers work under the direct supervision of CASA staff, who are there to help you through each case.

Common questions

What is a CASA Volunteer?

A CASA Volunteer is a sworn officer of the court. A judge appoints a special advocate to help define the best interests of an abused or neglected child in juvenile court proceedings. A trained CASA Volunteer gathers information for the court. He or she recommends to the judge what is in the child's best interest for a permanent, safe and loving home. A CASA Volunteer is a trusted, dependable adult who doesn't go away and who gives the child hope for a better future.

What is the difference between a CASA and a social worker?

The CASA volunteer is independent from the social services system and focuses solely on the child. The caseworker serves the family — parents and child — and cannot be a wholly independent voice, because the agency has already taken a position in the case by filing a petition. CASA volunteers are usually assigned one case at a time.

Does the court listen to what a CASA has to say?

Yes. Judges know their decisions are only as good as the information they receive, and they count on CASA volunteers to spend more time on specific cases and to be an independent voice. CASA itself was developed from the idea of a juvenile court judge in 1977.

How do we know CASA volunteers are effective?

Studies have shown CASA volunteers to be effective in reducing court costs, stays in foster care, and rates of delinquency and truancy. A National CASA Association study found that children with a CASA volunteer spent approximately one year less in care, which means a child finds a permanent, safe home more quickly.

How are CASA programs funded?

CASA programs are locally supported. The Judicial Council, fundraising events, annual giving and grants provide the ongoing support. National CASA has a grant system to help start up or expand programs. CASA programs depend on their communities to support the service.

Why do CASA programs cost money to run, when volunteers are not paid?

CASA programs hire staff to manage the program and supervise volunteers. Program costs include: salaries, office support, computers and equipment, travel and training. CASA program staff recruit, train, supervise and support volunteers to ensure quality services. National CASA has program standards that all CASA programs are required to meet.

How do I become a Volunteer Advocate?

Contact CASA of Mariposa by phone at (209) 742‑4206, by email at casa@alliance4you.org, or in person at 5075 Highway 140, Ste. A in Mariposa. From there you complete the application process, participate in initial training, and are sworn in by the Juvenile Court.

Other ways to help CASA

• Advisory Council — the team responsible for planning, preparing, and coordinating CASA's community outreach and fundraising events. The Advisory Council is currently seeking new members.

  CASA of Mariposa County's Advisory Council members are a part of the Mariposa Community and are passionate about making a difference for youth. Sharing in CASA's mission, this group plays a pivotal role in strengthening the partnership between CASA and Mariposa. CASA's Advisory Council members' commitment to helping the children and youth of Mariposa enables the work of CASA of Mariposa County to expand with the needs of the community.

  If you, or someone you know, would like to be a part of CASA's Advisory Council, please consider the outlined expectations below. As an Advisory Council member you would:

  • Attend monthly planning meetings from February to August (August will have an additional task-oriented meeting during the week of the event)
  • Attend our Evaluation & Appreciation meeting in September
  • Participate in completing tasks for one or more teams within the Advisory Council (Sponsorships, Vendors, Entertainment, etc.)
  • Participate in the set-up, take down, and/or needs during the day of the fundraising event.

  To join, call CASA of Mariposa County at (209) 742‑4206.

• Little Wishes Fund — donate to support youth activities and clothing assistance.