Many active seniors volunteer their time in one way or another. Why? Because they feel rewarded when they engage in acts of goodwill toward others; after all, volunteers make a positive difference in so many lives. What they may not know, though, is that some studies have shown volunteering can slow age-related signs like frailty and cognitive challenges. Wow, now that’s a bonus!
So, are there any local opportunities? Yes, many. One in particular is The CASA Project located in Worcester County.
CASA is nonprofit agency that works on behalf of abused or neglected children; its name is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocate. Volunteers normally take on one case at a time, and their primary objective is to speak on behalf of the respective child’s best interests. This may or may not coincide with the child’s desires.
Are there educational prerequisites in becoming a CASA? No, a thorough training program is provided. Still, candidates should have an interest in children, possess adequate communication skills, and maintain some level of writing proficiency (volunteers write court reports). In addition, every candidate must pass a background check.
So what are some CASA duties?
- Maintain a working knowledge of the case by reviewing all pertinent information (e.g., documents, records, reports).
- Contact key parties and keep notes about important details (this is a fundamental part of the investigation process).
- Visit with the child for 30 minutes or so about once a month.
- Write Court reports and attend hearings.
- Seek out support from the CASA supervisor and keep him or her abreast of the latest developments.
- Connect with fellow team members (e.g., social worker, parents, clinicians, teachers) to identify the proper services for the child; this can usually be accomplished by phone conversations and/or meetings. NOTE: It is important to mention that sometimes team members do not always agree about the course of action on a case; the Court report allows the judge to understand CASA’s position.
How often does a CASA volunteer work? It varies according to the complexity of the case. Some situations warrant only a few hours per month, while others could require two to four hours per week. The duration of each case is normally 12 to 18 months, although a small number of cases can be much longer. Few words can articulate the accomplishment an advocate feels when a child proudly proclaims, “This is ‘my CASA!” Still, other CASA opportunities, such as assisting with fund raising or community outreach, are also available. Many individuals throughout the country age 60 and over volunteer for CASA in a number of ways.
CASA volunteers speak for one of the most vulnerable segments of society, innocent children. For additional information about CASA or The CASA Project of Worcester County, call 508-757-9877 or visit their website.
