A Court Advocate is a trained community volunteer, appointed by a district judge, to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Volunteer advocates independently investigate the child's situation and make recommendations to Denton County District Court Judges as to what permanent placement would be best for that particular child.
The CASA volunteer advocate experience is unlike any other volunteer experience out there, and there are a number of minimum requirements that must be met in order to become an advocate. All volunteer advocates must be at least 21 years of age, and commit to a minimum of one year as a CASA volunteer.
In order to best support our volunteer advocates in their work, each volunteer is paired with a staff Casework Supervisor who provides continued, one-on-one guidance and support to the advocate as he/she works a case.
Not sure if you have what it takes? Click here to find out more about CASA and what kind of person makes a good volunteer advocate.
Ready to get started? Just complete these 3 easy steps:
Step One: Submit the Advocate Application Materials
There are three forms that you must complete and submit in order to be considered for the position of CASA Volunteer Advocate:
- The CASA Child Advocate Application (fillable pdf);
- The Child Abuse Background check form; and
- The Criminal Abuse Background check form.
Be sure to complete all three forms in their entirety and submit to CASA of Denton County using the contact information provided on the Advocate Application. To ensure the safety of our volunteers, staff and the children we serve, CASA of Denton County will only accept volunteer applicants who pass both a criminal and child abuse background check.
Step Two: Complete an Interview
The CASA Volunteer Coordinator will review your application and get in touch with you to arrange an interview. This preliminary interview will provide you with the information you need to determine whether the CASA volunteer experience is right for you.
Step Three: Complete the CASA Advocacy Academy training program
Advocacy Academy is a 30-hour training course offered three times a year by CASA of Denton County. The Advocacy Academy training program will prepare you for the one-of-a-kind CASA volunteer experience, and will leave you feeling inspired to begin your CASA journey!