Our CASA volunteers come from all parts of the county and have quite diverse backgrounds. Some have experience with children, either as parents or as part of their career. Some are retired teachers, therapists or case workers who are already familiar with the CASA program. But many are just normal citizens who want to make a difference. To ensure that all of our CASA volunteers have adequate preparation for their role, we require an extensive training program to familiarize them with all the systems that affect a child.

In January of 2002, CASA of St. Louis County introduced a new training program called CASA University. We hold classes throughout the year, during the days, evenings, and weekends to offer the most flexibility to people interested in becoming advocates. The entire program consists of 33 hours of training with the following components:

• 1 hour information meeting
• 1 hour individual interview
• 27 hours classroom instruction
• 2 hours attending a Continuing Education case discussion
• 2 hours of independent study, including court observation

33 hours total training

After graduating from CASA University, the CASA volunteer is sworn in by the Family Court and assigned to a Case Advocacy Supervisor who will assign a case to a CASA.

It is important to know that the process to become a CASA is a mutual screening process. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure at any stage, whether it’s the informational meeting or the last class of CASA University, we respect your decision to decline a position as an advocate. Likewise, we reserve the right to determine each individual’s appropriateness for acceptance as a child advocate.

The first step is a one hour informational meeting. This meeting will provide you with more details about the CASA Program and the responsibilities of a child advocate. At the meeting, an application packet will be provided to you. In addition to the four page application, you will need to provide three references, a child abuse neglect record screen, a St. Louis County record check and a Missouri Highway Patrol fingerprint check (all necessary forms are included in the application packet). The next step is to schedule an interview with a Case Advocacy Supervisor; the interview is an opportunity for CASA to evaluate your strengths and skills to become a child advocate. At the completion of the interview, you will be invited to begin CASA University.

CASA of St. Louis County
121 South Meramec Avenue, 2nd Floor
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 615-2908

Sitemap | Contact CASA of St. Louis County