FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the basic requirements for becoming a CASA volunteer?
All CASAs must complete a volunteer interview, attend the required training program, and submit to a criminal/background check. In addition:

Volunteers must be 21 or older
Volunteers need to commit one to two years of service after they have completed training
Volunteers must have a valid driver's license, their own transportation and possess an ability to travel throughout surrounding counties if needed. Any vehicle that might be used to transport youth must be insured.
Volunteers need some daytime flexibility to attend court hearings and case related meetings
Volunteers must be able to meet deadlines and adhere to required timelines regarding paperwork and court reports
Volunteers must complete a 36 hour training course before obtaining a case
Collegiate students must reside in Bloomington during the summer or affirm the necessary willingness and capability of returning for case related activities throughout the summer duration

It is desirable that volunteers have (proficient?)effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to submit the required paperwork within a timely manner. Volunteer advocates should express a mature and child focused mentality. While maintaining objectivity, all volunteers must adhere to keep the confidentiality of the children, their families and court records. Volunteers must adhere to the mission, rules and guidelines of the juvenile court and the Monroe County CASA Program.

How often should (volunteers) see a CASA child?
This will vary depending on the child and his or her circumstances, the distance of the placement, the age of the child, etc. Typically, a CASA volunteer will meet with the child once a month. In between visits, phone calls to check in with the child may be made. On average volunteers spend about 10-12 hours on their case.

How many volunteer hours are required each month to be a CASA volunteer?
It varies from person to person, case to case. But on average, the minimum time spent is 12-20 hours per month.

What is the length of time a CASA volunteer must commit?
The minimum commitment is one to two years after training requirements are complete. However, the program encourages volunteers to be there for the child with the expectation that individual case duration may vary.

How will CASA volunteers be assigned to cases?
After training, volunteers will be contacted by a CASA staff member to schedule an appointment and discuss possible case assignments. The program attempts to match cases based on a volunteer's skills and preferences, but that is not always possible (as case waiting lists may take priority). Upon accepting a case, volunteers will be instructed by their CASA Supervisor to complete all relevant paperwork and develop a plan to begin working the case.

My DCS Family Case Manager does not return my phone calls or emails, what should I do?
DCS Family Case Managers are very busy and we can not stress enough tolerance and understanding. However a call to your CASA Supervisor should be made if you find yourself not getting a response in a timely fashion. You should not expect the DCS Family Case Manager to be at their desk all the time. DCS caseworkers are in the field visiting their children and families. It is important that when you do call, that you leave a clear and concise message in addition to your name and number for contact (usually your cell number), and when you can be reached. The DCS Family Case Manager may already be working on your particular concern, but just may not have had the time to return your call. The most successful CASA volunteers have professional relationships and consistent interactions with their workers. Do not fall into the routine of only calling your worker when you have a problem. We all like to hear the good stuff you're doing and seeing on your case.

Where do I go to get my fingerprints taken?
You can have your fingerprints taken at the State Police office, 1500 N. Packinghouse Road, Bloomington, IN 47408, (812) 332-4411. Please call beforehand to make sure someone is available to do the fingerprints.

Where is the Juvenile Courtroom located to observe during my training, or to appear for my child's case?
Appearing in court to observe is one of the best pieces of advice you can obtain to prepare yourself for your first court appearance. The juvenile courtroom is in the Justice Building which is located on 301 N. College Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47404. The courtroom location varies but we are usually in an upstairs courtroom. The judge's names are next to the courtroom so you can look for their name to find the correct room for your case. Your CASA Supervisor will always attend court with you so you can look for your supervisor.

Do the judges really read my reports and consider my opinions?
Yes, the judges understand that CASA volunteers may have more time to get to know the child and provide the most up to date and accurate information about the child and family. This is invaluable to them in making the best possible decision for the child.

What else does a CASA volunteer do besides visit the child?
CASA volunteers gather information and prepare reports regarding the best interests and needs of the child. CASA volunteers are legally appointed to their child and have access to confidential information such as school and medical records.

What kind of support would I have from the CASA staff?
When you take a case you will be partnered with a CASA Supervisor. The supervisor will work with you throughout the case, attend home visits and case conferences when needed and help with your reports. The CASA Supervisor will collaborate with you through the process and will be able to provide information about your child's case, court information, reports, rules about the CASA program, etc.

Where do the children live?
The children live in their biological home, foster homes, and group homes throughout the state. Some have been there just a few days, or several months. Getting to know the rules and behavioral programs in the residential home your child is living is important. Always develop educated and meaningful relationships with the parents, case managers, and foster parents.

What kinds of activities should I do with my CASA youth?
This will depend on the age and interests of the child, as well as your own interests and the guidelines of their caregivers. If you are working with a teen, you might spend time walking around the mall or playing ball. If you are working with a younger child you might go to the park, play a game together or go to the library.

Can I give gifts to my youth?
Monroe County CASA discourages extravagant gift giving. However, modest gifts are allowed on birthdays and special holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa. Always consider what is allowed/not allowed at the place where they are living, and keep in mind if siblings are living in the home.

Can I take my child out of town, out of the county, to the city, etc.?
No, as a CASA volunteer you will not be allowed to take the child out of Monroe County.

Can I take my child to the pool or to swim at Lake Monroe?
No. Our CASA program does not allow CASA Volunteers to take their CASA child to the pool or any lake in the county.

Why can't I take youth to my home, bring my family on a visit or take the youth to my place of employment?
The children you are working with are youth that may already have Moms and Dads. As a CASA program we have rules to help you keep your boundaries and fulfill the role of the CASA volunteer. You are an advocate and you must keep your CASA boundaries and remain objective and professional. As a staff we do realize that it may be hard for you to understand the CASA role and boundary. Please always talk with a supervisor when your emotions become charged and you are feeling confused about the many rules we have as CASA volunteers.

What if I can't be an Advocate but still want to help?
There are many other ways that you can help CASA. We often need help with special events, mailings, and fund raising activities. Call our office and find out what opportunities are available for you. If you find that donating your time is not possible, a financial donation is always welcome. Please see our donation page for more information.

For Email Marketing you can trust

Monroe County CASA • 201 N. Morton Street • Bloomington, IN 47404
Phone: (812) 333-2272 • Fax: (812) 333-7949 • E-mail: info@monroecountycasa.org

To report child abuse or neglect, please call the child abuse hotline at 1-800-800-5556