Frequently Asked Questions about Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County- CASA OC Careers

The mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County (CASA OC) is to provide a voice for the most vulnerable children in our community who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Through trained volunteer advocates, CASA OC works to ensure that these children are placed in safe and permanent homes, receive necessary services, and have their best interests represented in court.

CASA OC (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County) supports and advocates for children in the foster care system by providing trained volunteer advocates who serve as a voice for the child in court proceedings. They also offer emotional support and resources to children in foster care, and work to ensure that their needs and best interests are met by their caretakers and the court system.

CASA OC, or Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County, handles cases involving abused, neglected, or abandoned children who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court system. They work to ensure that these children's best interests are represented in court and that they receive the support and resources they need to thrive. CASA OC also advocates for children in dependency, delinquency, and guardianship cases.

CASA OC selects and assigns volunteers to cases by carefully evaluating their skills, experience, and availability. Prospective volunteers must complete an application, undergo an interview and background check, and complete a comprehensive training program. Once approved, they are matched with a case based on their strengths and the needs of the child. CASA OC also provides ongoing support and training to ensure volunteers are well-equipped to advocate for the child's best interests.

CASA OC serves children ages 0-21 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their parents or legal guardians. These children come from diverse backgrounds and demographics, including different races, ethnicities, and socio-economic statuses. CASA OC does not have a specific age range or demographic of children, as each case is evaluated individually to determine the best fit for a volunteer advocate.

Yes, you can volunteer for CASA OC (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County) even if you have a full-time job. CASA OC offers flexible volunteer hours and training to accommodate busy schedules. As a volunteer, you will be assigned a child to advocate for in court, and you can work with their schedule and attend court hearings during your free time.

CASA OC ensures the safety and well-being of volunteers working with children through a thorough screening process, including background checks and references. They also provide comprehensive training on child abuse and neglect, trauma-informed care, and the court system. Additionally, CASA OC staff regularly check in with volunteers and provide ongoing support and resources. They also closely monitor volunteer and child interactions to ensure a positive and safe relationship.

Unfortunately, as a volunteer with CASA OC, you are required to reside in Orange County in order to continue your volunteer work. If you do move out of the area, we encourage you to reach out to the CASA program in your new location to inquire about volunteer opportunities. Thank you for your dedication and we wish you the best in your new location.

CASA OC communicates with other professionals involved in a child's case through regular meetings, phone calls, and email exchanges. They also attend court hearings and participate in case conferences to provide updates and share information. CASA OC also maintains communication through written reports and documentation, and collaborates with other professionals to develop a comprehensive plan for the child's well-being. Communication is vital in ensuring the child's needs are met and the best possible outcome is achieved.

Yes, there are several opportunities for advancement within CASA OC. Volunteers can become Lead Advocates, who mentor and support new volunteers, or Team Leaders, who oversee a group of volunteers. There are also opportunities for volunteers to become involved in different committees and projects within the organization. Additionally, CASA OC offers ongoing training and development opportunities for volunteers to enhance their skills and knowledge.

It would depend on the nature and severity of your criminal record. CASA OC conducts background checks on all potential volunteers and takes into consideration the safety and well-being of the children we serve. We encourage anyone interested in volunteering to apply and disclose any relevant information during the application process.

CASA OC handles conflicts of interest for volunteers by requiring all volunteers to sign a conflict of interest statement, disclosing any potential conflicts that may arise during their service. If a conflict of interest does arise, the volunteer is required to recuse themselves from any related case or decision-making process. Additionally, CASA OC staff regularly monitor and address any potential conflicts to ensure the best interest of the child remains the top priority.

There are several ways to get involved with CASA OC if you are not able to commit to being a volunteer. You can become a donor and support our mission financially, participate in fundraising events, spread awareness about our organization and the importance of advocating for foster youth, and volunteer your time in other areas such as administrative tasks or event planning. Every contribution helps make a positive impact in the lives of children in the foster care system.

The main responsibilities of a CASA OC volunteer include advocating for the best interests of foster children in court, building a positive relationship with the child, reviewing their case and making recommendations to the court, and ensuring the child's needs are being met. They also attend court hearings, communicate with all parties involved in the child's case, and provide written reports to the court.

Yes, prior experience or training is required to become a CASA OC (Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County) volunteer. Volunteers must complete a 30-hour training program that covers topics such as child development, the foster care system, and court processes. Additionally, volunteers are required to pass a background check and ongoing training is provided to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to advocate for abused and neglected children in court.

The training process for CASA OC volunteers typically takes around six months. This includes an initial orientation, 30 hours of pre-service training, and a background check. After completion of these requirements, volunteers attend court observation and are sworn in by a judge. Ongoing training and support is also provided throughout the volunteer's time with CASA OC.

The time commitment for a CASA OC volunteer varies depending on the case, but on average, volunteers spend about 10-15 hours per month on their duties. This includes attending court hearings, meeting with the child, and communicating with various parties involved in the case. Volunteers are also required to attend ongoing training and supervision meetings to ensure they are adequately supporting the child.

Unfortunately, as a volunteer with CASA OC, you do not have the option to choose which case or child you want to work with. Each case and child are assigned based on the needs of the child and the availability of volunteers. However, you can express your preferences and interests during the volunteer application process, and our team will do their best to match you with a case that aligns with your skills and interests.

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) at CASA OC, you will have regular contact with the child you are advocating for. This could range from weekly visits to monthly phone calls, depending on the specific case and circumstances. CASA OC values consistent and meaningful communication between advocates and their assigned child, as it helps build a trusting relationship and ensures the child's needs are being met.

CASA OC volunteers have access to a variety of support and resources to aid in their role as court-appointed advocates for foster youth. This includes ongoing training and education, a dedicated staff member for guidance and support, access to mental health services, and a network of fellow volunteers for peer support. Additionally, volunteers have access to resources such as transportation assistance and educational materials to help them effectively advocate for the youth in their care.