Becoming a Volunteer is a great way to make a positive and lasting impact in the life of a child!

What is a CASA Volunteer?

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is an adult willing to stand up for an abused and/or neglected child.  A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to provide factual information on behalf of a child caught in a difficult legal process.  In a court system challenged by increasing caseloads, a CASA Volunteer can make the single greatest difference in the life of a child.

What does CASA do?

You do not have to be a lawyer or a social worker to become a CASA Volunteer.  These abused children simply need dedicated and devoted men and women who are willing to advocate for their best interests.

As a CASA Volunteer, you will be given support, guidance, tools, and training from professionals in the field to help you understand and work effectively within the child welfare system.  You will develop communication techniques and cultural competency skills, and receive relevant child development training.

Once you are sworn in as a child advocate by a judge, you will be given constant support and guidance by professional staff as you search for information on what is in the child's best interest.  You will receive a case, gather new data and become familiar with the child's background.  Then you will develop a report that is shared in the courtroom.  Your recommendations will be considered by the judge when making decisions regarding the child.

Why choose to be a CASA?

Every year the state of Texas removes thousands of children from their home because of abuse and neglect.  These victimized children are drawn into an overburdened child welfare system that is charged with addressing every child's individual needs.  As part of this process, judges must weigh all of the evidence to make important decisions that greatly impact the lives of these children.

When there is a CASA on a case, the judge is afforded a unique and comprehensive picture of the child's situation, needs and best potential outcomes.  CASA Volunteers are frequently the most consistent adult in the lives of children during their involvement in the child welfare system.  CASA Volunteers help guide abused and neglected children toward safe, loving, permanent families.

How do I become a CASA?

To become a CASA, you should be:

• Willing to commit at least one year of your time
• Able to interview a variety of sources (teachers, relatives, etc.)
• Able to maintain objectivity in your recommendations
• Able to effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Mature in dealing with emotional situations
• Willing to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural and ethnic differences
• Willing to go through an in-depth training program
• Able to pass an extensive background check
• Over the age of 21

How do I get involved?

To learn more about becoming a CASA Volunteer in Andrews, Dawson, Gaines, Howard, Martin or Midland County, please contact:

CASA of West Texas
Tracy Fryar, Volunteer Coordinator
tracyf@casawtx.org
201 W. Wall, Ste. 700
Midland, Texas 79701
(432)683-1114
Toll Free: 1-877-316-8346
FAX: (432)683-1168