IMAGINE
Imagine the experience of children who are removed from their homes, their families, their siblings, and everything they know and care about. They find themselves in a world filled with new sounds, new places, new people, new smells, and new schools while social workers, lawyers, and judges make life-altering decisions on their behalf.
Fortunately, children in our community have court-appointed, trained, and committed, volunteer advocates who ensure that each child’s individual needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system.
A CASA volunteer forms a consistent relationship with a child that provides stability and hope for better days ahead. Oftentimes, a CASA volunteer is the most consistent presence in a foster child's life. In the midst of an unsettled and chaotic time, a CASA is there to ensure a child does not have to navigate the system alone.
CASA volunteers do not have to navigate the system alone, either! Each CASA is paired with an Advocate Supervisor that is trained to navigate the legal system so that you can be the expert on the child and the child's best interests.
QUALIFICATIONS
No special education, experience, or background is required. CASA volunteers come from all walks of life and share a commitment to improving children’s lives, a willingness to learn, and an open mind towards life experiences different from their own.
Voices for Children seeks volunteers of diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender expression. Currently, there is a high need for Spanish-speaking CASA Volunteers.
A CASA Volunteer Must:
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Successfully pass extensive screening and background check requirements
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Be at least 21 years of age
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Successfully complete 33 hours of classroom training provided by Voices for Children and 3 hours of court observation
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Make a 12-18 month minimum commitment to a case with an average of 10-15 hours per month invested
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Understand confidentiality and work within established program guidelines
CASA Volunteers provide an objective view of what is in the best interests of the child or children involved in the case. It is an important commitment and a serious role entrusted to Voices for Children and every CASA Volunteer.
HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE
Step one: Attend an online information session
Voices for Children information sessions describe the volunteer program and the process to become a volunteer advocate. You will learn more about the agency, the volunteer role, and the training program. Information sessions are an hour long and are led by Voices for Children staff members.
We invite you to attend a volunteer information session. You will be sent instructions for the info session when your registration is received.
Upcoming online information sessions:
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June 8th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (online)
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June 26th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (in person)
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July 5th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (online)
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July 11th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (in person)
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August 1st, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (online)
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August 23rd, 5:30-6:30 p.m. (in person)
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September 14th, 12:00-1:00 p.m. (online)
Step two: Submit an Application & Complete an Interview
Voices for Children's Training Manager will contact you to schedule an interview. The interview is an opportunity for CASA staff to get to know you and learn more about why you want to be a CASA. The interview is part of the screening process and ensures a good fit within the program. During the interview, CASA staff will talk through the expectations of the CASA role and answer your questions.
Step three: Complete the Training
Qualified applicants will be invited to attend and complete a 33-hour CASA training. Training classes are offered multiple times a year in both traditional and fast-track settings to meet the needs of all interested in becoming a CASA.
PRE - TRAINING
Voices for Children offers multiple pre-service training courses with both daytime and evening sessions available throughout the year.
Fall 2023 Pre-Training
(Voices for Children Office)
Please note - applications must be submitted prior to September 15th at 4:30 pm to participate in the September 2023 pre-training class.
September 25th
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Session 1
The CASA/GAL Volunteer Role
September 28th
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Session 2
The Well-Being of the Child
October 2nd
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Session 3
Trauma, Resilience & Communication Skills
October 5th
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Session 4
Mental Health, Poverty & Confidentiality
October 7th
12:00pm - 2:00pm
CASA Training Lab (Optional)
Brief Recap, Self-Care / Trauma-Informed Strategies, and More!
October 9th
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Session 5
Substance Abuse, Diversity & Disproportionality
October 12th
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Session 6
Domestic Violence, Bias & Cultural Competency
October 16th
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Session 7
Educational Advocacy, Older Youth & LGBTQ Youth
October 19th
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Session 8
Moving Forward as an Advocate
OTHERS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Are you seeking other ways to support Voices for Children? We invite you to join VFC ROAR!
This is a team of volunteers and community partners dedicated to helping Voices for Children CASA in the Brazos Valley connect with the community on a greater level. Plus, there's a ton of fun in helping VFC connect!
VFC ROAR offers community members, those with a passion for serving children and families impacted by the child welfare system, short- and long-term volunteer opportunities.