Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate with Heartland CASA

We welcome volunteers from all cultures, professions, ethnic and educational backgrounds.

Make a Lifelong Difference

Become a CASA volunteer and be rewarded with some of the most powerful and fulfilling experiences you can find.

CASA is the only organization that empowers everyday citizens to become appointed officers of the court. Your involvement will make a direct impact on a child’s life, perhaps for generations to come.

We welcome volunteers from all cultures, professions, ethnic and educational backgrounds.

Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Heartland CASA, serving the children of Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties in Nebraska.

For more details call – (308) 385-5125

Getting Involved

“I spend my days in meetings and boardrooms. Being a CASA is a way to get out of the common business space and get involved in the community.”

Tonja B. | Grow Grand Island Chair

Touches Your Heart

“When you first read a case, it touches your heart. But then you meet the kids and it touches your heart even more.”

Debbie M.

Giving Them a Voice

“You should become a CASA because it gives one a better understanding of how all the pieces of the ‘system’ work together. You get to witness everyone within the case growing. You are empowering individuals, especially the kids, to take control of their life and make choices. In situations where they might feel powerless, you are giving them a voice in their own lives.”

Terry W.

Give Hope and Understanding

“My goal in this CASA journey has been to give hope and understanding… I cannot stress enough how very crucial it is to just be kind and non-judgmental. No matter how bad we think a parent is, they are still a human being and we don’t know what their journey has been like.”

Felicia B.

CASA Volunteer Job Description

A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained citizen volunteer appointed by the Juvenile Court to ensure that the needs and interests of abused or neglected children are being met. CASAs are assigned to dependent children who are under the Juvenile Court’s jurisdiction and are assigned at the discretion of the Judge of the Juvenile Court.

Requirements of a CASA Volunteer

Make a commitment to serve as a CASA for a minimum of one year

Be 21 years of age (some exceptions allowed for intern students)

Be willing to donate an average of 10 hours a month

Attend training sessions and review all training materials provided by CASA

Maintain objectivity and professionalism in dealing with children, parents and all other parties involved in the case

Possess verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities of a CASA Volunteer

To serve as an arm of the Juvenile Court as researcher, monitor, and child advocate

Interview child, parents, foster parents and any other concerned parties or relatives

Review appropriate records and reports

Work with Attorney Guardian Ad Litem as counsel, representing the best interests of the child

Confer with counselors, teachers, social workers, etc. involved in the case

Submit thorough, independent written reports to the Court and Guardian Ad Litem prior to court hearings

Appear in Court as needed to answer questions or testify on findings or recommendations

Maintain records of all findings and document all contacts

Visit institutions, foster homes or group homes where child is placed or may be placed

Monitor court orders to ensure services to the child are being furnished in a timely manner and placement is appropriate

Maintain contact with the program director/coordinator and submit all documentation

Remain involved in the case until the Court’s jurisdiction is terminated

Continuing Education

Heartland CASA offers a monthly opportunity for volunteers to earn their twelve hours of continuing education each year.

Lunch and Learns: Every other month we host a speaker at our office over the lunch hour. Lunch is provided and the speakers cover a variety of topics pertaining to the work of our volunteers.

Coffee with CASA: Every other month our volunteers have the opportunity to meet at our office in Grand Island to discuss their cases and provide advice and feedback with fellow volunteers.

Heartland CASA Library: At any time you are able to come to the office and check one of the many books we have in our CASA Library (the list of books we have is provided on this web page). We also order a new book every other month to add to our library. In order to get Continuing Education Credit you have to turn in a book report along with the book. You will receive 1 hour credit per 100 pages.

Other opportunities for volunteers to earn their 12 continuing education hours include:

College Courses: One college course per semester counts for one hour per credit given for the course. Volunteers submit the syllabus and a letter to the Heartland CASA office for credit.

Community Conferences: Community service providers like the Early Development Network offer helpful conferences volunteers can attend. Volunteers will receive periodic emails when conferences are announced with information about how to register, topics, etc.

Nebraska CASA Conference: Local programs from around Nebraska gather usually in the Spring for a day of speakers, information, and exchange of ideas. Volunteers who attend receive continuing education credit for the hours the conference runs.

National CASA Conference: Heartland CASA volunteers are invited to join hundreds of their peers and national CASA personnel. It is a great opportunity to network and come home re-energized to help vulnerable children find safety and permanency. Some scholarship money is available to help advocates attend.

Through the Eyes of the Child: Another source of training is “Through the Eyes of the Child.” This organization provides seminars and lecture series on pertinent subjects that professionals in the child welfare system face each day. Check out training sessions at http://www.throughtheeyes.org/. Prior to registration, please contact the Heartland CASA office. If training is more than 50 miles from Grand Island, mileage reimbursement is authorized.

CASA Volunteer

Forms

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Heartland CASA volunteer!

Volunteer Application Form

Volunteer Reference Form

Become a volunteer