CASA Volunteer Training Courses are held throughout the year.
Our application process is now online! Please read through the following information on CASA responsibilities and then follow the link below to apply.
Once you have submitted your application, please contact the CASA office (903-450-4410) to schedule a time to visit the office and complete the short interview, which is part of the application process.
Personal, Professional Qualities to be a CASA Volunteer
– Willingness to work within the guidelines, policies, and standards of CASA;
– Good human relation skills, including willingness and ability to be objective;
– Commitment of time, interest, and energy necessary to fulfill volunteer responsibilities;
– Willingness to accept guidance and direction;
– Sensitivity towards cultural / ethnic / religious / etc. differences;
– Ability to formulate and maintain an independent position throughout the case assignment;
– Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing;
– Ability to understand confidentiality and the personal commitment to maintain that confidentiality at all times; and
– Ability to provide your own (licensed and insured) transportation.
CASA for Hunt County — Description of Volunteer Role
Basic Function: A CASA Volunteer Advocate is a screened and trained community person appointed by a Judge to speak for the best interests of an abused and/or neglected child. A CASA Volunteer Advocate works as an official part of the judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. By handling only one (or only a few) cases at a time, the CASA Volunteer has time to thoroughly explore the history and circumstances of each assigned case.
Supervision: Direct supervision and guidance is provided by the CASA for Hunt County Advocate Supervisor. The Volunteer Advocate’s Supervisor will be available to you to discuss case plans, progress, or problems, as well as provide other information needed by the Volunteer Advocate to fulfill his/her role. Volunteer Advocates will periodically be asked for feedback regarding supervision and overall satisfaction with the CASA for Hunt County program.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Complete an extensive, independent review of assigned case:
– Meet face-to-face with child monthly;
– Communicate with the CPS or CBC/contracted caseworker monthly;
– Meet with CPS or CBC-contracted caseworker to discuss case history, obtain pertinent case information, and to ensure development of a permanency plan for the child/children;
– Communicate with the child’s attorney at least quarterly;
– Conduct Educational and Medical Advocacy for the child or children of the case at least quarterly;
– Communicate with the child(ren) and relevant adults (parents, family members, school officials, doctors, and others) involved in the child’s life who might have facts about the case;
– Review appropriate records and reports;
– Observe the child and significant others;
– Report immediately, any incident of suspected child abuse/neglect to the assigned CPS or CBC-contracted caseworker or the Child Abuse Hotline if the caseworker is not available;
– Utilize CASA’s database Optima for entering all case information and case-related details on at least a monthly basis.
Report findings to the court by submitting written formal reports to the Judge for every scheduled hearing/review:
– Provide a written report containing factual information to the CASA office ten (10) business days prior to every hearing;
– Attend court hearings concerning the child.
Ensure representation of the child’s best interests:
– Be certain that all relevant facts are presented at the court hearings;
– Attend appropriate meetings regarding the child;
– Participate in all planning conferences concerning the child.
Monitor case following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court:
– Ensure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child as soon as possible;
– Ensure court-ordered services are provided to the child and family.
Consult at least monthly with the CASA Case Supervisor about the assigned case:
– Develop a CASA case plan;
– Review progress and reports;
– Arrange with the Case Supervisor for coverage of any conferences or court proceedings if the volunteer is unable to attend.
Other Commitments/Duties:
– Follow guidelines outlined in the Volunteer Policies and Procedures;
– Be available for case assignment and accept case immediately upon completion of pre-serving training, unless other arrangements have been made.
Training/Support Plan:
– CASA Volunteer Candidates are required to complete pre-service training of at least 30 hours instruction and three hours of court observation;
– CASA Volunteer Advocates must complete 12 hours of in-service training annually;
– CASA Volunteer Advocates will have access to training opportunities from local, state, and national CASA, and from other agencies.
Benefits of being a CASA Volunteer:
– Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse and/or neglect; and
– Help a child find permanency in a safe, loving home.
By continuing on to the application you agree to the following statement:
I have read and agree to the General Requirements, Qualifications, and Role Description regarding CASA for Hunt County Volunteer duties.
CASA VOLUNTEER Online APPLICATION
