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Becoming an Advocate

How can I become a CASA?

There is no special education, work or other experience required to become a CASA -- all you need is a desire to help children!  To be accepted into the training program, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Complete an application and participate in an interview
  • Provide at least three references
  • Complete approximately 35 hours of training, including court observation
  • Pass DCFS and general criminal background checks

Applications are accepted and training sessions are held at the discretion of CASA based upon current volunteer needs.

Click here for the Advocate Role Description

 

Applications

General Advocate Pre-Service Training Requirements

  • Attendance at all training session classes
  • Completion of approximately 12 hours of online courses/homework
  • Attendance at ONE court observation date
  • Completion of DCFS Background Check

Fall 2024 Pre-Service Training Dates:

  • Wednesday, September 4, 2024:              6:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Wednesday, September 11, 2024:             6:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Saturday, September 21, 2024:                 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Wednesday, September 25, 2024:            6:00 – 9:00 pm
  • Wednesday, October 2, 2024:                    6:00 – 9:00 pm

Wednesday training sessions will be held in person at the DuPage County Government Complex, located at N. County Farm, Wheaton, IL. The Saturday session will be held in person at the Glen Ellyn Police Department, 65 S Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Attendance at ONE court observation date is required.  Tentative dates are:

  • Tuesday, September 17, 2024:       8:30 a.m. to 11:30 am.
  • Tuesday, September 24, 2024:      8:30 a.m. to 11:30 am.
  • Tuesday, October 1, 2024:              8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Please note that you must be able to attend the scheduled training dates and complete the online courses/homework as assigned, as well as complete and pass a DCFS background check.  If you are interested in being considered and interviewed, please complete the online application here

We will begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews on April 1, 2024.

Further questions about becoming an advocate can be directed to Kathie Paravola, Program Director, at kathiep@dupagecasa.org

  • "Safety is not the absence of threat, it is the presence of connection."
    "Safety is not the absence of threat, it is the presence of connection."

    Dr. Gabor Mate

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