CASA of the 8th Judicial District's mission is to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. We strive to help children have a safe, permanent, and nurturing environment. The presiding Judge in a court case will assign CASA to a child of need of care case, juvenile justice system case, or a domestic violence case. It is the CASA Volunteer's responsibility
to advocate for the best interests of the child. The CASA Volunteer investigates and becomes acquainted with the facts, conditions, and circumstances affecting the welfare of the child. They visit the child at least every 15 days to monitor the child's safety and observe whether the child's essential needs are being met. The CASA Volunteer attends court hearings, participates in case planning conferences, and submits written court reports to the parties involved in the case. To qualify to be a CASA Volunteer you must:
*Be least 21 years old
*Complete a written application providing information, which includes educational background, employment history, and personal experience with child abuse & neglect
*Provide three written references from person unrelated to the applicant
*Participate in a personal interview
*Pass a records check through state child abuse registries and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and National Criminal Background Checks
*Complete no less than 30 hours of specialized training through the CASA program
*Complete 12 hours of in-service training annually
