CASA Prince George’s County is looking for compassionate and COMMITTED Volunteers to advocate and be a voice for a youth in foster care.

The role of a CASA volunteer is multi-dimensional. In addition to meeting with their CASA youth, volunteers also communicate with biological and foster families, collaborate with the Department of Social Services and attend court hearings. Volunteers assigned to older youth (14-21 years old) will also assist in the planning and implementation of a Transition Plan to ensure they are prepared to live independently.

As a CASA Volunteer, you’ll receive 37 hours of classroom training that includes, the role of Court Appointed Special Advocates and their relationship with the child welfare system, child and family dynamics, an overview of the risks that can lead to abuse or neglect, and an introduction to the laws that govern child welfare. The training is interactive and participants will gain valuable knowledge to be the best advocate for their CASA youth. Click here for detailed description of a CASA Volunteer.

What kind of Background do you need?

CASA volunteers are community members with varying professional and educational backgrounds. However, there are requirements all volunteers must meet and they include:

• Must be at least 21 years of age or older
• Ability to commit 10-15 hours per month to case, including visiting the child at least twice per month and regular meetings with Case Supervisor
• Ability to pass background screening Criminal Background Check; Driving Record Check; Child Abuse Registry Check; Social Security Number verification; National Sex Offender Registry; Reference Checks (3)
• Ability to attend 37-hour pre-service training
• Acceptance of a case assignment after completion of pre-service training
• One year or one case commitment to the program

Apply today at, www.pgcasa.org/volunteer-application, to be considered for Pre-Service Training.

Save the Dates!

Application Deadline:January 1st, 2020

Pre-Service Training are as followed (All training sessions are from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM):

Monday January 27th – Chapter 1
Thursday January 30th – Chapter 2
Monday February 3rd – Chapter 3
Thursday February 6th – Chapter 4
Monday February 10th – Chapter 5
Thursday February 13th – Chapter 6
Note: HOLIDAY (no class Mon Feb 17th President’s Day)
Thursday February 20th – Chapter 7
Monday February 24th – Chapter 8
** Make-up Snow Date (Thurs Feb 27, 2020)

Volunteers assigned to youth 14 and older are required to take the Fostering Futures Training.
Monday March 16th – Fostering Futures
Thursday March 19th – Fostering Futures

Courtroom Observation
Trainees are required to attend a court hearing. Dates TBA

As 65% of our volunteers will be assigned to teenagers, please make sure you are available these dates as well.

For additional information contact Marieme Ndiaye, recruitment@pgcasa.org.