Are you ready to speak up for a child?
CASA empowers everyday citizens as officers of the court. Appointed by family court judges, CASA volunteer advocates typically handle just one case at a time—and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe and permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant all children need in order to thrive.
CASA volunteers are drawn from many different backgrounds, representing a variety of professional and ethnic groups. Our volunteer advocates are supervised and guided every step of the way by CASA staff members.
What does it take to be a CASA volunteer?
- The first step: be at least 21 years-old and pass a background check.
- The second step: attend an information session, detailed below, and schedule an interview at the HCCASA office.
- The third step: successfully complete a 30-hour training course that covers topics such as the history of CASA, abused and neglected children, and the child welfare system in New Jersey.
- Have your first case assigned and commit an average of 10 hours/month to working on your case.
- Commit to your case until it is closed. The average case concludes in about a year and a half.
Are you ready to take the next step?
If you're interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer, let us know by submitting the quick online form below and our office will contact you directly. At that time, we'll also invite you to attend one of our monthly information sessions, which are typically held on the first Tuesday of the month in Jersey City at the Hudson County Administration Building. All prospective volunteers are encouraged to attend in order to learn about CASA and the role of its volunteers. Following the information session, potential volunteers are required to come in to our offices for an interview.
You must attend an information session and an interview in order to be considered for our training program.
Volunteer Information Session
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Our next information session regarding the program and the role of its volunteers will be held on Tuesday, October 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Room 901 of the Hudson County Administration Building, located at 595 Newark Avenue in Jersey City. Please utilize the side or rear entrance as the main entrance of the building is locked after 5 p.m.
Volunteer Training Sessions
September 13 - October 7, 2010
The next round of training for volunteers accepted into our program is planned for September. Each session is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will take place at the Hudson County Administration Building (595 Newark Avenue in Jersey City - Room 901):
- Monday, September 13: Overview of CASA
- Thursday, September 16: Child Abuse & Neglect
- Monday, September 20: Child Psychological Disorders/Poverty
- Thursday, September 23: Cultural Competency
- Monday, September 27: Overview of the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS)
- Thursday, September 30: Understanding the Courts
- Monday, October 4: Communicating as a CASA
- Thursday, October 7: Tying It All Together - Working a Case
- Wednesday, October 13: Swearing-In Ceremony
*Class order is subject to change depending upon availability of speakers
Parking is available in the lot behind the Administration Building on Pavonia Avenue. This "Employee Parking Only" lot is available to Hudson County CASA trainees after 5pm. Please enter the Administration Building using the side entrance off Central Avenue.
Our volunteers in their own voices
Meet our volunteers and learn what these dedicated individuals have to say about their experiences as child advocates.
