Official Site of Newport News CASA:  NNCASA.org
	HOME   about Us How to Volunteer How to Donate FAQ  Volunteer Activities Volunteer Input The Beach ball newsletter Related links  Contact us                Newport News CASA Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court 230 25th Street Newport News, Virginia 23607 757-926-3642             Qualifications and application process: Must be 21 years of age and willing to submit to a criminal background check and check of the CPS registry Ability to commit at least 8 to 10 hours per month   Ability to work with diverse populations   Ability to work with at risk children (birth to age 18), family members, professionals, community agencies, and diverse populations Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing   Ability to meet deadlines     Pre-Service Training • Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are trained volunteers who advocate for children who are victims of abuse and neglect.    • The volunteer advocate receives 35 hours of training before staff, judges, social services staff, probations and parole officers, guardian ad litems, along with educational and psychological experts as well. In addition, each volunteer must complete 4 hours of scheduled court monitoring at the Newport news juvenile and domestic court building.   • Following the completion of training, the successful volunteer advocate will be sworn as an “officer of the court” and may then be assigned as a volunteer advocate.  It is then he or she becomes the voice of a child.     Specific Duties of the Volunteer Advocate: Visit the child at least twice monthly and ensure the child’s wishes and desires are communicated to the court.  Ensure that the present placement is appropriate and is meeting the child's needs.   Interview the parents, guardians, caretakers, social workers.  Review all  records related to the family to include educational and medical records when appropriate.   Gather and assess independent information.  Collaborate with other participants in the case to ensure the best outcome for the child.   Prepare written reports for court hearings and attend and participate in court hearings.  Attend other related meetings while monitoring the court's mandates.   Keep all records and information confidential   Keep the child and caregiver informed of all aspects of the court proceedings   Communicate effectively with all parties involved in the child’s case
CASA Volunteers are The Voice of the Children. The Newport News CASA program was created in 1985.  Newport News CASA is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization. Newport News CASA is part of the national network of 900 independent CASA programs.