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CASA volunteers are from diverse educational, cultural, and professional backgrounds…who give of their time and hearts to make an extraordinary difference for some of Collin County's most vulnerable children.

The role of a CASA Advocate can be separated into two main components: case investigation and monitoring.

Case Investigation
New cases begin with a thorough, independent investigation by the CASA Advocate. This investigation involves talking to both family members and professionals with knowledge of the situation, as well as collecting and reviewing related documentation. Most importantly,  the Advocate meets the child and begins what is hoped to be a meaningful and positive relationship. From the gathered facts the Advocate develops a set of recommendations for presentation to the Court. 

Case Monitoring
Once the initial court order is issued, the CASA Advocate's role changes from investigator to monitor. The Advocate tracks compliance with court orders and reports progress to the court at the next hearing. In between court appearances the Advocate spends time with the child, helping him or her cope with the situation and encouraging their success with their foster families, schools, and therapy. Often the Advocate is the only consistent person in the child’s life, as foster homes, schools, and caseworkers change frequently. It is often the Advocate who ensures visitation between siblings.

TRAINING >

CASA of Collin County offers a complete training schedule to our potential volunteers.  After completing the application to volunteer and scheduling a personal interview, an applicant is then enrolled in a thirty hour training course.  This course offers workshops ranging from “The Dynamics of Abuse and Neglect,” to “How to Testify in Court”.  We are fortunate to have respected, professional members of the community such as District Court Judges, Child Protective Services Supervisors, and Assistant District Attorneys participate in our training.  Upon completion of the training and a thorough background check, a volunteer is sworn in as an Officer of the Court and can begin accepting CASA cases. 

A benefit to being a CASA volunteer is that almost all of the work can be done in the volunteer’s free time.  37.3% of our volunteers work full-time, and can perform their CASA tasks on their own schedule.  However, if you do work, you will need to get permission from your employer to attend the occasional court hearing or case staffing.  Also, because of the intensive and quality training you will receive, we do ask for a one-year agreement to CASA upon being sworn in as a volunteer.

Call now about the next  30-Hour Volunteer Training sessions. All days and times of training must be attended. Your application and interview are to be completed prior to training session.