Myths & Facts About CASA

1) Myth: Relevant experience or degree is needed

Fact: Some people believe that you must have a specific degree in social work or related

fields, but this is not a prerequisite for volunteering with CASA. While backgrounds in

these areas may be helpful, it is not at all necessary.

In fact, CASA provides comprehensive, free training to all prospective volunteers to build

understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the position, the inner-workings of the

dependency system, cultural sensitivity, childhood development, and the impact of

trauma on children, amongst a range of other topics. The key requirements to be an

effective CASA are to be a consistent, reliable, trusted adult in the life of a child. Equally

important is the ability to deal with complex situations with compassion and without

judgment.

2) Myth: Volunteers are typically middle-aged, white, and affluent

Fact: While retirement and an “empty nest” provides an opportunity for many to

volunteer, CASA volunteers come from a very diverse background.

CASA recognizing the importance of advocates who represent the culture and ethnicity of

the youth who are served. Volunteers come from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic

backgrounds, and span a broad range of ages, all united by their shared commitment to

advocating for children in need.

3) Myth: Being a CASA is a consistently rewarding experience

Fact: Being a CASA provides deep satisfaction for volunteers who see the impact they are

making in the life of a child. However, not every moment of CASA service brings immediate

gratification. Volunteers often face challenges where their efforts may not yield immediate

positive outcomes.

While the responsibilities of a CASA often involve navigating complex situations and

advocating for children in difficult circumstances, every CASA volunteer is always under

the careful supervision of a CASA Advocate Supervisor. Advocate Supervisors are CASA

staff members who provide guidance and support every step of the way including joining

their advocates for every court appearance. The CASA journey is filled with successes

and setbacks due to the many challenges faced by the youth who are served, but most

CASA volunteers report a deep sense of meaning and purpose in what they do and many

say it’s the most rewarding work they’ve ever done.

4) Myth: Younger volunteers may experience ageism

Fact: Some prospective volunteers assume that being an effective CASA requires being a

certain age and having tremendous life experience. However, younger volunteers, often

in their early twenties, report their age is an asset in developing a bond with their youth.

Youth in foster care are surrounded by so many adult “authority figures,” that a younger

volunteer, who’s closer in age, is often a welcome relief. Younger CASAs report sharing

many of the same interests as their youth including playing video games, hiking and

enjoying sports together.

5) Myth: Volunteers must have a deep understanding of the foster care system

Fact: Some prospective CASA volunteers share a concern that they don’t fully

understand the complexities of the foster care system and should defer to professionals.

Before being matched with a youth, every CASA goes through comprehensive training

which provides an overview of the dependency system. Once being sworn-in, every CASA

is accompanied, throughout their journey as a volunteer, by a CASA staff member

appointed to be their Advocate Supervisor.

While professionals play a crucial role in the foster care system, CASA volunteers provide

special one-on-one attention and advocacy for a child that is not provided anywhere else

in their lives. Many children are profoundly moved to learn that their CASA is a volunteer

who chooses to spend time with them, and often the only adult in their life who is not

being paid to be with them.

6) Myth: Being a CASA is too big of a commitment

Fact: The traditional CASA volunteer role matches an advocate with a youth in the foster

care system. This typically involves visits at least one time per month scheduled at times

that are convenient for both the advocate, the youth, and the caretaker. Because

children in foster care experience so much disruption in their lives due to frequent

changes in their placements, schools, friends and social workers, CASA volunteers are

asked to dedicate two years to the program.

Separating fact from fiction when considering this very special volunteer opportunity

will help potential advocates better understand the important role of a CASA. Learn

more by contacting us to schedule a time to come in and talk with us about the CASA

program.