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CASA Volunteer Description

Who Can Volunteer?

Are you an adult over age 21 who would like to give a voice to abused and neglected children who are in DCYF care? Right now, there are hundreds of Rhode Island children who need the steady presence and strong voice of a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

 

RI CASA was established by the Family Court in 1978 to provide dedicated advocates for abused, neglected and/or dependent children who become involved in the child welfare system through no fault of their own. Trained volunteer advocates work with CASA staff attorneys and social workers to promote the best interests of Rhode Island’s most vulnerable kids. CASA strives to ensure that children don’t “fall through the cracks” of a system that was put in place to help them.

What is it Like?

Volunteer advocates visit regularly with children in their cases, gather information, provide brief reports about their assigned children to the Court, and often become the only consistent adults in the children’s lives. Volunteer candidates must possess a valid driver’s license, concern for the welfare of children, good judgment, and effective communication skills. All undergo background checks and personal interviews before completing a 30-hour training program with court observation.

Why Volunteer?

According to the National CASA Association, a child served by a volunteer advocate is more likely to be adopted, half as likely to re-enter foster care, less likely to spend time in long-term foster care, and more likely to do well in school.

How Do I Sign Up?

The Rhode Island Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children Program (RI CASA) accepts applications on a rolling basis for the five volunteer training classes that are scheduled throughout the year:

  • January and June in the Kent County Courthouse (222 Quaker Lane, Warwick)
  • March, September, and October at the Garrahy Judicial Complex (One Dorrance Plaza, Providence)

Give a child a voice! For more information, call (401) 822-6722 or (401) 458-3239.

Volunteer application packets can be downloaded here.

Volunteer Positions with RI CASA

Position Title

  • Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (VCASA)

Qualifications

  • Desire to help abused and neglected children maintain stability and permanency

  • Must be 21 years of age and a United States citizen

  • Have a valid driver’s license

  • Be willing to travel throughout the state on CASA related business

  • Ability to maintain objectivity when gathering information

  • Effective communication and writing skills essential for the preparation of Court reports

  • Ability to work independently

Supervision

  • Responsible to Staff Attorney and Staff Social Caseworker