Volunteer Advocate

Save to Favorites

CASA of Northeast TN is seeking volunteer advocates for Unicoi, Greene, and Washington Counties.

Our Purpose:

A CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a trained community volunteer appointed by a juvenile court judge to advocate for the best interests of an abused and/or neglected child.

By handling only 1 to 2 cases at a time, a CASA volunteer has time to thoroughly explore the history and circumstances of each case with the ultimate goal of securing a safe, permanent home.

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years or older
• Ability to transport self
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Good common sense
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing

Commitment:

• Mandatory 35 hour training (in-person or online) with flexible scheduling afterwards
• 12 month commitment (or the life span of a case)
• Prioritize attending all court hearings on your case
• Maintain consistent and clear communication with program coordinator
• Volunteers are required to follow guidelines established by the National CASA Association

Key Responsibilities:

• Learn - Complete an objective, independent review of each case. Review progress and reports.
• Engage the child with regular visits. Meet face-to-face with the child at least twice a month. Speak with the child and relevant adults. (Parents, family members, school officials, doctors, or others involved that might have facts about the case). Participate in case conferences concerning the child.
• Report to the court what is learned and observed. Provide a written report containing factual information to the CASA program office three business days prior to every hearing.
• Recommend to the court services and placement that are in the child's best interest. This will be done in the report.

Support:

• Volunteers receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.
• Volunteers are encouraged to call their volunteer coordinator at any time with questions/concerns.
• Volunteers have access to additional training offered by other agencies.

Benefits for the Child:

• More likely to find a safe, permanent home.
• Less likely to be moved from home to home.
• Half as likely to re-enter foster care.
• Do better in school.
• Get more help and additional services while in the system.

Although we cannot provide you with monetary rewards, there are many benefits of being a CASA volunteer:

• Make a difference in the life and future of a child who has been a victim of abuse and/or neglect.
• Help a child find permanency in a safe, loving home.
• Gain an understanding of juvenile courts, legal proceedings, and social service agencies.
• Develop/utilize communication skills.
• Develop/utilize assertiveness.
• Form friendships with like-minded people in your community.
• Have access to training statewide.

Supervisor / Coordinator

• Melanie Feathers, Executive Director. Email: director@casanetn.org
• Elias Hensley, Volunteer Coordinator. Email: ehensley@casanetn.org
• Emily Tester, Johnson City / Washington County Program Coordinator. Email: tester@casanetn.org
• Erin Miller-Goines, Unicoi County Program Coordinator. Email: miller-goines@casanetn.org
• Lanetta White, Greene County Program Coordinator. Email: white@casanetn.org