CASA volunteers (Court Appointed Special Advocates) assist children who are subjects of Care and Protection petitions in juvenile court because of abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers are appointed by a juvenile court judge to a specific child (or sibling group) and serve as fact-finders for the judge. They visit the child monthly, and ensure that the child is receiving needed services. Working closely with their Case Supervisors, CASA volunteers prepare written reports for the court, and assist the judge in determining the child's best interest, defined by the National CASA Association as "a safe and permanent home, as quickly as possible."

CASA seeks mature, committed individuals, at least 21 years old, who are willing to give 2 -3 hours per week over a 9 - 15 month period to help an abused child. Most CASA case work can be done at the volunteer's convenience; occasional court appearances (announced well in advance) take place during normal business hours (typically, 2- 3 times per year).

The CASA application process includes a written application; an intake interview; CORI, Department of Social Services, and Sexual Offender Record checks; and three references.

CASA offers two upcoming training classes in the CASA office, 100 Grove Street Worcester:
March 25 - April 10, 2008 Tu / Th (9:00 AM -- 12:30 PM)
April 28 - May 14, 2008 M / W (4:00 PM -- 7:30 PM)

This opportunity is sponsored by: The CASA Project

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers

Adults (26-54) Individual Adults (55+)

Upcoming Dates:

Date Time # volunteers requested   May 13, 2008 04:00 PM - 07:30 PM 20

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Contact Person:
Elizabeth Johnson Tsang, Director Of Training, (phone), (email)

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Address:

No Specific Street Leominster, MA 01453 (See a map)

Directions:

Volunteers conduct investigations for the Juvenile Courts in Leominster and Fitchburg. The children live in various North Worcester County locations.

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		East Princeton Fitchburg Leominster Shirley Sterling
Counties:		Worcester

Web Site: http://www.thecasaproject.org