Interested in Advocating for a child?
To be a Court Appointed Special Advocate, a volunteer must:
Be at least 21 years of age.
Pass a background screening.
Complete 30 to 35 hours of training, which includes 3 hours of courtroom observation.
Commit to a child until his or her case has closed, or for at least one year.
Volunteer a minimum of 7 to 12 hours per month.
Care about the well-being of children.
Commit to representing a child’s best interests until the child reaches a safe, permanent home.
CASA RESOURCES
According to the Maryland CASA website, there is a particular need for more men, and African American men and women, though all demographics are welcome to volunteer.
Currently, Maryland CASA (888-833-2272; marylandcasa.org) supports 15 programs, serving 21 counties, including:
Anne Arundel CASA, Inc.: marylandcasa.org/programs/anne-arundel-county
CASA of Southern Maryland (Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties): marylandcasa.org/programs/southern-maryland
CASA of the Mid-Shore (Talbot, Dorchester, Queen Anne and Kent counties): marylandcasa.org/programs/talbot-county
Voices for Children (Howard County): marylandcasa.org/programs/howard-county
—Joyce Heid
