CASAs are expected to attend all court hearings on their cases, although each volunteer is matched with a Winnebago County CASA staff member who can stand in court on behalf of the CASA if needed. 

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements:

• Ability to keep all client and court information confidential

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds

• Ability to maintain objectivity and to exhibit good common sense

• Willingness to submit to background checks

• Completion of education resulting in either a high school diploma or GED

• Must be 21 years of age

Advocates are to conduct themselves in an ethical manner which upholds the credibility and dignity of the CASA mission by conducting all business in an honest, fair, professional, and humane manner. Advocates shall not at any time bring discredit to the CASA program.

Time Commitment:

Volunteers are required to make an 18 to 24 month commitment to the program and spend, on average, approximately 10 hours per month on a case. Volunteers are expected to be available for case assignment upon completion of all training requirements and after being sworn in by the Juvenile Court Judge, unless other arrangements have been made.