Become a Volunteer
There are several steps that one must go through in order to become a CASA volunteer. Get started today! By following these 4 easy steps you can join our corps of trained volunteers, working to serve the best interests of abused children, one child at a time.
Click on each step for more information
Step One: Register for an Information Session
If you are interested in learning more about CASA for Children of Bergen County or becoming a volunteer you first must register for one of our upcoming sessions that will provide you with all of the information you need about becoming a CASA. Our next Information Sessions will be:
- Tuesday, Janaury 10, 2012 at 7:00p
- Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 7:00pm
All sessions will be at One Bergen County Plaza in the Learning Center on the 4th Floor. Please contact Amanda Simonton at 201-336-7520 or amanda@bergencasa.org to RSVP for a sessions.
When emailing please include your full name and an alternate way to contact you - either phone number or street address.
Step Two: Attend an Information Session
During this session you will learn specifically what our volunteers do and the commitment we ask of you.
CASA staff will introduce you to the program. You will find out more about our organization, training, the requirements needed to become a volunteer and all of your questions will be answered. After this session, if you are definitely interested in becoming a volunteer, you can sign up for an interview and start the application process.
Step Three: Application and Interview Process
All potential volunteers are required to complete an application and interview process.
In order to become a CASA volunteer you must fill out two applications (one for CASA and one for the court), provide four favorable references from non-family members, and be thoroughly interviewed by two CASA staff members. Selected applicants will also be required to get fingerprinted and must pass state and federal criminal background checks. This is to ensure the safety of both the children we serve and our volunteers.
Step Four: Training
CASA provides extensive training for our volunteers so that volunteers are prepared to provide children with the support they desperately need. CASA volunteers undergo a thorough 30-hour training course. They learn about courtroom procedure, effective advocacy techniques for children, and specific topics ranging from child abuse to early childhood development and adolescent behavior. They also must observe 3 hours of court and are sworn-in by the presiding family court judge. In addition, they must attend 12 hour of continued training a year. Our 30 hour training course is offered several times a year and will prepare you for your volunteer experience.
UPCOMING TRAINING: Spring 2012 5:30 - 9:00pm Bergen County Administration Building, One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, NJ, 4th Floor Learning Center
- Wednesday, February 22, 2012
- Wednesday, February 29, 2012
- Wednesday, March 7, 2012
- Wednesday, March 14, 2012
- Wednesday, March 21, 2012
- Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Any potential volunteer should be able to attend all six training sessions.