Volunteer Opportunities From: Volunteer Peninsula

Youth Mentor – Colonial CASA

Colonial CASA is seeking dedicated, compassionate adults to serve as Youth Mentors and make a meaningful difference in the life of a young person in our community. Mentors provide consistent support, encouragement, and positive role modeling through structured, in-person interactions.

Mentor Requirements:

Must be 22 years of age or older Serve as a positive role model Be reliable, consistent, and committed Maintain a non-judgmental, supportive attitude Successfully complete background checks Complete required pre-service training Commit to 4 hours a month of in-person meetings with assigned youth Be a licensed and insured driver Have a clean driving record for the past three years Be willing and able to provide transportation to and from approved activities

Mentors meet with their assigned youth 4 hours a month to build trust, set goals, explore interests, and provide guidance. Consistency and reliability are essential, as many youths benefit greatly from having a stable, supportive adult presence in their lives.

Colonial CASA provides training and ongoing support to ensure mentors feel confident and prepared in their role. If you are ready to invest your time and heart encouraging a young person, we invite you to join our mission.

Make a lasting impact—become a Youth Mentor with Colonial CASA.

Key Responsibilities:

Creating binders Organizing Internet Research Assisting staff with the quarterly newsletter Assisting staff with mailings, etc. Other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Executive Director or Program Director depending on assignment.  

Time Commitment: One days per week (Volunteer’s Choice) for at least three hours per week.

Qualifications: Basic knowledge of computers (Word and Excel), data entry, and internet research. Must have a pleasant manner, be dependable and professional.

Support: Training for all assignments will be provided. In addition, the office staff will be available for questions and assistance.

 

 

A CASA IS…

1. An Investigator

As an investigator, it is the job of the CASA to elicit all the information about the child and the child’s family. This is done by interviewing all the parties to the case (DSS, G.A.L., the parents and/or guardian, the child if age permits, parents’ attorneys) and any secondary sources such as teachers/school personnel, therapists, and physicians that may have knowledge of the child’s situation. Once the investigation is completed, the CASA submits a written report to the Court, which includes objective recommendations based on the facts.

2. A Reporter

As a reporter, it is the job of the CASA to ensure that all of the facts are before the court. The facts are presented to the court in the form of a written report, which includes the factual information gathered through interviews and record reviews, an assessment of the child’s situation, and recommendations regarding placement and provision of services to the child and the child’s family.

3. A Monitor

As a monitor, it is the job of the CASA to monitor the family in terms of compliance with the court order. It is also important to monitor the various agencies involved to ensure that they are making a good faith effort in providing services in a timely fashion and are not the cause of unnecessary delays. The child must be monitored in terms of his/her environment and in terms of his/her educational, therapeutic, and medical needs. If non-compliance is discovered, the CASA contacts the CASA office, DSS, and the GAL.

4. An Advocate

The fourth and most important function of a CASA is that of an advocate. Most children have natural advocates – their parents. In child abuse/neglect cases, the CASA may be the only person who is, first and foremost, the child’s advocate. The CASA is the one person who can speak for the child and voice the child’s needs.

5. A Mandatory Reporter

The Code of Virginia names CASAs as mandatory reporters; and you are, therefore, required by law to report any case of suspected abuse or neglect. If during the course of your work as a CASA you have firsthand knowledge or suspicions that a child is being abused or neglected, you must report your concerns immediately to DSS and the CASA office.

Must be 25-years or older