As a CASA volunteer, one can expect to visit their assigned child; speak regularly with important adults in the child's life; speak with professionals to verify social services and to gather updates on their child's progress through the court system; work closely with supervisors to provide best services for their child; submit official reports to the judge detailing their investigation and provide recommendations for the safety and wellbeing of their child; and attend their child's court hearing.
CASAs are required to complete 30 hours of specialized training. Trainings are offered twice a year with limited opportunities for independent study training. Our training is guided by the National CASA/GAL pre-service program and provides trainees with a wide breadth of instruction, such as basics of child development, court processes, family dynamics, cause and effects of abuse and neglect, as well as trauma-informed advocacy for children navigating the court and social service systems. In addition to training sessions and outside homework assignments, each volunteer will have the compelling opportunity to complete 4+ hours of independent court observation.
Before applying to become a CASA, please review the following eligibility requirements.
You must be at least 21 years old.
You must have a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation.
You must have a cell phone.
You must complete a clear background check.*
You must have excellent communication (both written and oral) and time management skills.
You must have available time (10 hours a month - give or take) and commit to an 18-month volunteer period (so not to leave a kid who has not found a forever home yet!)
*Norfolk CASA completes reference checks and extensive background checks on all of our volunteers.
Official training dates are:
Summer 2026: June 9, 2026 - June 25, 2026, T/Th 6-8:30pm on Zoom with two in-person Saturdays 9-3pm.
Got questions? Contact us for further information.
Would you like to donate to our mission of serving Norfolk's abused and neglected children through court appointed volunteer advocacy? You can make a tax-deductible donation here:
