Advocates are the heart of CASA of Laramie County and without them we would not exist in the community capacity that we do. We realize that not everyone has the availability of time to be a CASA for a child, but may still want to contribute. Donations of time and assistance are needed with fundraisers, becoming a board member, mentoring advocates, general office assistance, assistance with conferences and trainings, donation of food, donation of money, and the list goes on. If you are interested in becoming an advocate in any capacity please contact us at betsyputnam@casalc.org or at (307) 638-1151. Thank you ahead for your support of CASA.
Print out the benefits and qualifications of a CASA advocate
Print out the CASA advocate job description
Print out the advocates application
Necessary knowledge, skills, and other requirements to be a CASA advocate:
- Must be 21 years of age.
- Ability to keep all information confidential.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds.
- Ability to transport self.
- Ability to deal with hostility, anger and other emotional attitudes.
- Ability to maintain objectivity.
- Ability to gather and record factual information accurately.
- A basic understanding of child development and family relationships.
- Good common sense.
- Does not require specific educational training beyond a high school diploma or GED.
Time Commitment:
- Advocates are required to make an eighteen-month commitment to the program. It is best for the children if a CASA is committed for the duration of the case.
- Advocates are required to attend all court hearings for their cases.
- Advocates are expected to be available for case assignment and to accept cases immediately upon completion of pre-service training, unless prior arrangements have been made.
- CASA advocate initially spend about 10 – 15 hours per week (for the first couple of weeks) getting acquainted with a case. After the initial time, the average time is about 10-15 hours per month. The CASA should put in as many hours as necessary to “work” the case.
- Advocates are expected to maintain an accurate accounting of time spent on a case.
Training and Support we provide you:
- CASA advocates are required to attend approximately 33 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of in-service training annually.
- CASA advocates are to follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association.
- CASA advocates will have access to additional training opportunities offered by other agencies.
- CASA advocates shall receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.
- CASA advocates are encouraged to call the CASA office at any time with any questions/concerns.
- Consistent contact with the CASA office is requested. “Contact” can be by email, by telephone or in person to update/appraise the Advocate Coordinator and Executive Director of developments or non-developments of an on-going case.
Although we cannot provide you with monetary rewards, there are many benefits to being a CASA advocate.
These benefits include the opportunity to:
- Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse, abandonment, exploitation, and/or neglect;
- Help a child/children find permanency in a safe, loving home;
- Assist judges in obtaining a clearer picture of a child’s life as well as the child’s wants, needs and desires;
- Gain an understanding of the District and Family courts, legal proceedings, and social service agencies;
- Develop/utilize communication skills;
- Develop/utilize assertiveness;
- Utilize your past experience/skills;
- Form friendships with like-minded people in your community;
