These volunteers can and do so successfully every week in Clark County. Today, the program is seeking to build out its volunteer base by adding another 70 CASA volunteers to its roster. The information and sign-up forms for the role are located on CASA’s website (casaclarkcounty.org). Last year, Clark County CASA served 760 children with 130 volunteers and seven staff advocates.
“We need to reduce caseloads of staff by increasing our volunteers so the children can have more individual attention,” says Sheryl Thierry, CASA program director.
But, she cautions, people need to do a serious gut check before signing on.
“Someone who is successful as aCASA brings very special qualities to the position,” she says. “It is a tremendous commitment in terms of the time and the emotion you will invest in the work. But for those who are right for the role, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.”
A significant time and emotional commitment
CASAs (the correct term for these volunteers) undergo a thorough interview, background check, and orientation by the CASA Volunteer Specialist. They undergo 50 hours of training before they are sworn in as an officer of the court. They are then paired with a CASA staff member as their coach and supervisor who spends several weeks providing mentoring and opportunities to shadow them on cases before being paired with a child. Supervision and mentoring continues throughout the CASA’s time with
the program to ensure they can fearlessly and consistently advocate on behalf of the children they are paired with, and become that one consistent adult presence in their life.
The time commitment is considerable. The CASA Program provides 40 hours of program-specific training and 13 hours of YWCA core training to prepare a volunteer for the role. Volunteers accepted into the program must complete 12 hours of in-service training annually. Further, they are asked to make a two year commitment to the position to help maintain that consistency for the children. Monthly, a volunteer can expect to spend anywhere from five to 12 hours on a case, including a visit with the child, attending meetings, and appearing in court.
But dedicated volunteers represent the true heart of Clark County CASA. If you think you can make a difference by standing up for a lonely, frightened child, contact CASA today.
We will get you started down the road to a rich, rewarding volunteer experience.
Court Appointed Special Advocates
YWCA Clark County
Please contact Sheryl Thierry
Program Director
Phone: (360) 906-9141
Email: sthierry@ywcaclarkcounty.org
Website: casaclarkcounty.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casaclarkcounty/