CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates Become a Volunteer Today!

The CASA program works to achieve a permanent, loving home for children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned, the majority of whom are under the age of six and the least able to speak on their own behalf. CASA matches a trained volunteer, called a Guardian ad Litem, with each child. The CASA volunteer provides individualized attention to each child placed in foster care and serves as an objective third party advocate representing the child’s needs.

Volunteer (Guardian ad Litem)It is the job of the CASA volunteer to:

  • Visit the child regularly.
  • Research the child’s history and current status.
  • Prepare a report for the courts to use in determining what is best for the child.
  • Follow up to insure the child receives the services necessary to heal from the trauma of abuse.

To act as a Guardian ad Litem (child advocate), for a child for whom appointed. To act as an Advocate at each stage of the proceedings as defined by the Child Protection Act, Chapter 16, of the Idaho Code. The Guardian ad Litem shall participate fully in the proceedings, and to the degree necessary, to adequately represent the child.

Qualifications of a Guardian Click here to apply!

  • Interest in children, their rights, and special needs.
  • Time to devote to training sessions, investigation and follow-up of a case.
  • Ability to work with a child, family members, and professionals using tact, concern, and basic human relations skills.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, making verbal and written reports to the Court, to the Project Coordinator, and to other persons as needed.
"The primary concern in child protection cases is the welfare and best interest of the children involved.  Legal representation for the Guardian ad Litem is necessary so the court can properly address this concern."
- Judge Timothy L. Hansen

Requirements of a Guardian
Click here to apply!

  • Attend pre-service training.
  • After training, participate in a one case internship.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Attend in-service training sessions on an ongoing basis. A minimum of 10 hours of continuing education relevant to CASA work required annually.
  • Keep the Project Coordinator informed of all activities and confer periodically.
  • Maintain an up-to-date and complete file on each case assigned.
  • Be aware of deadlines an timetables involving an assigned case, and turn in all reports on time.
  • Complete evaluations, time studies, etc. which may be requested in order to monitor the entire CASA project.
  • To return the complete case file to the CASA office upon their withdrawal or the court vacates jurisdiction.
  • Attend and complete annual volunteer review or evaluations.

Specific Duties of a Guardian Click here to apply!

  • Upon assignment to a case, interview family members, foster family, teachers, social workers, and other interested parties to determine the facts. (Many interview are by phone. By necessity, some must be in person. In addition, any home suggested as a permanent or temporary placement for the child must be visited.) CASA volunteers do not re-interview children about the allegations of the abuse. CASA's do visit the child to assess the child's needs, and if age appropriate, talk to the child about their desires.
  • Explore alternatives available for the child: living with relatives, foster placement, etc.
  • Prepare a written report stating findings, and recommendation for a permanent disposition of the case, and submit the report no less than five days prior to the Court hearing (Adjudicatory.)
  • Appear in Court along with their volunteer attorney at the Adjudication/Disposition/Shelter Care Hearing to represent the best interests of the child.
  • Assist in the developing of a case plan as prescribed by the Court.
  • Continue to monitor progress toward goals prescribed by the Court.
  • Bring any significant changes in the family situation to the attention of the Court. Ensure that reviews by the Court are done on schedule.
  • Reappear in Court as needed for review hearings. Continue follow-up contacts, submit supplementary reports, and make new recommendations as needed, until a final disposition is made.

Click here to apply!

"I have had the privilege of advocating on behalf of CASA volunteers and the CASA program for the last several years. The knowledge that I have made a difference in the life of a child is the most rewarding experience I have enjoyed, both professionally and personally."
- Michael Elia, Program Attorney

It is the job of the CASA Volunteer Attorney to:

  • Donate a few hours a month
  • Represent the volunteer Guardian ad Litem in all court proceedings.
  • Protect the rights of abused, abandoned and neglected children referred to the courts.
  • Participate in all negotiated settlements.
  • Advocate for needed services to help victims heal from the trauma of abuse.

Who will I be working with?

Volunteers go through extensive screening procedures to become Guardians ad Litem. After an initial in-depth interview, each volunteer is finger-printed and a criminal background check is completed. Each applicant must provide three letters of reference. Volunteers are recruited, trained and supervised by professional program staff.

What kind of support would I receive?

  • Liability insurance through the Idaho Volunteer Lawyer's Program.
  • Introductory training in Child Protection Act legal issues.
  • Written packet of instructions regarding the CASA program.
  • Periodic CLE training.
  • Consultation with other pro bono attorneys and the CASA staff.

How do I volunteer?

Contact Matt Hyde at Family Advocate Program (345-3344 ext. 1014) and he'll add you to the list of attorneys available for upcoming cases. (Once a case is ready for attorney assignment, you'll be asked to complete minimal paperwork before you start.)