When a CASA volunteer is appointed to a child's case, he or she is responsible for taking time to find out about the child. CASA volunteers search for information. They review records, interview parents, talk to teachers, neighbors, and most importantly, the child. These volunteers appear in court to offer recommendations to the jurist regarding what is in the best interest of the child.

CASA volunteers are ordinary citizens. They come from all walks of life and have a variety of professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. Volunteers are selected on the basis of their objectivity, competency and commitment. Once screened and accepted, volunteers are trained. They learn about courtroom procedure, the social service and juvenile justice systems, and the special needs of children who have been abused and neglected. They are appointed by the court and work along side attorneys and social workers. If you are a mature responsible adult, if you can communicate with people who are having problems, if you have time to commit and you care about children, you may qualify to be a CASA volunteer. It takes about 10 to 15 hours a month of your time as a CASA volunteer. If you are interested, contact the Wayne County CASA program.