Court-Appointed Special Advocate Volunteer Training

This training equips new volunteers with the skills necessary to advocate for a child in foster care in Los Alamos, Santa Fe, or Rio Arriba. After being trained, CASA Volunteer Advocates work both in and out of the courtroom. They build relationships with the children, family members, and foster caregivers. They work in concert with the judges, lawyers, social workers, service providers, parents, and teachers. The most important part of this volunteer role is building a trusting relationship with the child themselves. The CASA is appointed as an officer of the court and is responsible for making recommendations to the judge regarding the future permanent placement of each child. The CASA Volunteer Advocate submits written and verbal recommendations to the court that assist the court in decision making. Part of a CASA’s role is also helping children figure out what they need to thrive, including help to prepare them for their future and providing them with helpful services. CASA Volunteers come from all walks of life, with a variety of educational and ethnic backgrounds.