GET STARTED WITH MARIN CASA!
- Attend an Information Session
- Interviews with Marin CASA Staff
- Background Screening Process
- CASA University
- Facilitated Training
- Swearing and Match to a Child
Information Sessions & Interviews
The first step in becoming a CASA is to attend a virtual Information Session to learn more about the program and the screening process. (See below to register for upcoming dates) Once you register you will receive an information packet by email and a link to join a video conference Q and A session. If you have questions or are uncomfortable using Zoom conferences, please email [email protected] for assistance.
Once you have attended an information session, you will be able to submit an online application. Marin CASA will review your application and invite to interviews with Marin CASA staff. These interviews help us learn more about you and provide a one-on-one opportunity to ask questions about the CASA program.
Background Screening Process
Upon successful submission of your application and completion of screening interviews, you will receive information to start our background check process. This is a comprehensive background check that includes reference checks, LiveSCAN fingerprinting, social security verification and DMV record checks. Background checks must be completed prior to accessing any of the training materials.
Volunteer Training & Swearing In
Marin CASA’s 36 hour Initial Volunteer Training is comprised of a combination of CASA University (a self guided curriculum) and in person evening classes (facilitated training) over 5 weeks. Both must be completed.
Upon completion of our initial screening process and training, volunteers are sworn in as officers of the court by the Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court. Once a volunteer has been sworn-in, a volunteer is ready to take a case and begin the journey as a CASA.
Our next facilitated training will start on March 27, 2023.
Applications for the spring training are due no later than Monday, February 27, 2023
Who are CASA Volunteers?
CASAs are ordinary citizens, like you, doing extraordinary work. We have volunteers with a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. They work full-time, part-time, or retired and willing to volunteer. CASAs must be 21 years or older to volunteer and all CASAs make a minimum commitment of at least 2 years to the program.
Qualifications and Abilities of the CASA Volunteer:
To make a minimum 2 year commitment to the program once assigned to a case.
To understand and follow all Marin CASA policies.
To maintain confidentiality at all times.
To respect and relate to people from various backgrounds in a variety of settings.
To communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
To gather and accurately record factual information.
To meet report deadlines and requirements.
To be objective, open-minded and flexible.
To accept supervision and seek feedback from CASA staff.
To maintain professional and collaborative relationships with all community service providers.
To provide one’s own transportation.
To pass a security check including a criminal background check, DMV record check, SSN record check, Child Abuse Index Registry check and three (3) letters of reference.
Must be 21 years of age or older
Must attend 36-hour pre-service training