What is Child Advocates, Inc.?

Child Advocates, Inc., is a private, non-profit organization that provides trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children involved in Juvenile Court.  We are part of a national movement of more than 900 programs in all 50 states and the Virgin Islands.  Child Advocates is guided by a 15-member Board of Directors which oversees the activities of the organization.  Child Advocates currently has a staff of six – an Executive Director, four CASA Supervisors and a training coordinator.  The staff is responsible for volunteer supervision and program administration.

What is a Child Advocate (CASA)?

A child advocate volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interest of a child.  CASA volunteers work for children, who are victims of alleged abuse and neglect.

What is the Child Advocate's Role?

A child advocate provides a judge with carefully researched background information about the child to help the court make a sound decision about that child’s future.  The advocate talks with the child, parents, family members, social workers, school officials, health providers and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history.  The child advocate also reviews all records pertaining to the child – school, medical, caseworker reports and other documents.  The advocate makes recommendations to the judge on what is best for the child, including permanent placement and services to be provided.  Child advocates work on the case until the judge dismisses jurisdiction on the child (i.e., the child is in a permanent placement).

How is a Child Advocate Different from a Social Service Worker?

Social service workers are generally employed by state governments.  In Oregon the average caseload of a social service worker is 20 cases.  Child advocates are volunteers with more time and a smaller case load (average 1-2 cases at a time).  The child advocate volunteer does not replace a social service worker on a case; s/he is an independent appointee of the court.

 Becoming a Child Advocate (CASA) requires:

• completion of 40-hour initial training
• completion of an application packet, including 3 references and criminal and child abuse registry checks
• some daytime flexibility
• 10-20 hours a month for about 2 years
• mutual screening interview with a Child Advocate Supervisor
• compliance with policies and procedures of Child Advocates, Inc.

You can learn more about becoming a child advocate by attending an orientation session. Click "orientations" to the left for the schedule and location.