Requirements & Training

Passion and time. Details aside, those are the top two requirements for becoming a CASA volunteer.

Contrary to what people may think, there is not a single, perfect profile for what makes a good CASA volunteer. You can be employed full-time, a stay-at-home parent, or retired. You can have years of experience with the legal system and child welfare or none at all. You just need to be a committed individual willing to stand up for the best interests of a child in foster care. We’ll teach you the rest and provide guidance and support.

Basic Requirements

  • No less than 21 years of age
  • No felony convictions
  • Must agree to the anti-discrimination policy outlined below*

Qualifications

  • Maintain confidentiality of all client and court information
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing (being bilingual is a plus!)
  • Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds

Commitment

  • Be available to dedicate 2-3 hours per week to CASA work
  • Commit to the length of a case (average 15-18 months)

"The children I serve are loving, trusting, caring, and amazingly resilient. I try to be that someone who will listen to them and pay attention and notice what is actually going on with them. Then that can translate into them receiving the care they deserve."

– CASA Volunteer Linda Davis

Training

  • Attend an information session which last approximately 45 minutes to an hour
  • Complete a personal interview and thorough background screening
  • Complete 30 hours of initial training
  • Complete 12 hours continuing education training annually

Upcoming Information Session Dates:

Over 400 children and youth are in foster care in Northwest Arkansas at any given time. In order to continue to serve each and every one of these children, we need more CASA volunteers! Register for a virtual CASA 101 information session to learn how more about becoming an advocate.

When you click the link you’ll be prompted to provide your name and email address. This can be done in advance or at the time of the meeting.

Thursday, October 17th at 10am

Join Info Session

Thursday, November 21st at 10am

Join Info Session

Thursday, October 17th at 6pm

Join Info Session

Thursday, November 21st at 6pm

Join Info Session

If you plan on participating via smartphone, you’ll need to download the free Zoom app in advance. If you plan on participating on your computer, Zoom will simply ask you to open and download Zoom after clicking the link. If you’d rather not use the video feature during the call, you can join with Zoom’s audio-only feature.

If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Quillen.

*CASA of Northwest Arkansas does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, selection of volunteers and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all volunteers and clients, children, parents or other family members and foster parents.