Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Volunteer

Lyon County CASA is recruiting adult volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates to represent the best interests of children who have been removed from their homes due to neglect and abuse.  CASAs are appointed by a judge to provide detailed information about a child and their specific needs.  A CASA's involvement in the child's life will give the child a better chance of being placed in or returning to a safe and stable home as quickly as possible.

Volunteers get to know the child by talking with everyone in that child's life: parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others.  They use the information they gather to inform a judge of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them.

Volunteers do not have to be a lawyer or a social worker to be a volunteer. We welcome people from all walks of life.  We are simply looking for people who care about children and have common sense.  Once accepted into the program, volunteers will receive all necessary training in courtroom procedures, social services, the juvenile justice system, and the special needs of abused and neglected children.   Volunteers will be well supported by professional staff to help them through each case.  

Requirements

CASA volunteers must be 21 years old and be able to pass a background check.  We ask volunteers to fill out an application, participate in an interview, and complete a 30 hour pre-service training.

Time Commitment

CASA volunteers must complete a 30 hour pre-service training.   Volunteers typically spend 10-15 hours a month on case work.