ASURA Seminar Committee hosted a seminar on “Volunteer Opportunities with CASA” on Monday, January 24, 2022.  Roger Lurie, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Lawrence Falvey, staff at Voices for CASA Children and a CASA presented on what a CASA is, the overall agencies affiliated with CASAs and how an individual can become a CASA.

Lawrence pointed out that today just within Maricopa County there are over 8000 children in foster care, living with relatives, or group homes and only 1000 have a CASA so the need for more volunteers is great.  CASA volunteers come from all walks of life with no special experience necessary except the desire to want to help kids have a better life. The qualities of a CASA are – consistency, flexibility, neutrality, patience, integrity, commitment and confidentiality.  CASAs are typically only assigned one case at a time allowing for the CASA to be fully present for the child they are working with.  Roger pointed out that generally a CASA will spend between 15-20 hours a month on the assigned case, with 2 or more visits per month with the child.  An additional 12 hours per year is spent in court hearings and other meetings.  A CASA typically stays with the child until they age out of the foster system or return to their parents/family.

People who are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer are interviewed to discuss their desire to work with children in this capacity.  Once approved, CASAs are provided training and continuing education opportunities as well as support from CASA of Arizona, CASA of Maricopa County and Voices for CASA Children.  VOICES Programs support CASA volunteers child enrichment by providing complimentary experiences and resources supporting of a child’s well-being.  They support the CASA through CASA care by providing volunteers with tools and techniques that are used to promote and improve emotional, mental and physical well-being. 

For more information on CASA or to become a CASA volunteer contact by email info@voicesforcasachildren.org, visit their website at www.voicesforcasachildren.org or call (480) 685-4888.