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Our CASA Program
Ways to Give
Events
How to Help
News
- News Room
- Voices for Children Blog
Who We Are

San Diego County CASA Volunteer Application

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Voices for Children CASA Volunteer Application for San Diego County
Important: Before You Begin
- The application will take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete. There is an option to Save and Continue Later if needed.
- If the application times out due to inactivity and you have not selected to Save and Continue Later, you will need to start over.
- Do not use the back button on your web browser. If you need to return to the previous page, use the "Previous" button at the bottom of the page.
- Tip: We suggest formulating your answers in a Word document and then copying and pasting the information into your application. You can find the application topics and questions below.
The information on this form will help us assess your eligibility to serve as a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for Voices for Children, San Diego County’s designated CASA organization. All information provided to Voices for Children is confidential and for internal use only.

Instructions:
1. Please read the directions carefully and complete all sections of the application thoroughly.
2. If you have lived outside of California in the past seven years, you will be asked to provide as much information as possible regarding your previous addresses and dates of residency. By the first day of training, we will need complete physical addresses in order to perform the proper background checks. (Tip: you can obtain your addresses from your credit report.)
Thank you for taking the time to complete your CASA application! We look forward to receiving it. If you have any questions, please contact us at volunteer@speakupnow.org.

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Your Information
Legal First Name*
Legal Middle Name*
If you do not have a middle name, please enter "N/A."
Legal Last Name*
Preferred Name/Nickname
Maiden Name/Former Name
Pronouns
All CASA Volunteers are required to be at least 21 years old. Are you currently over the age of 21?*
- Yes
- No
Home Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code
Home Phone*
Work Phone
Cell Phone
Preferred Phone Number*
Email*
Emergency Contact Name*
Include the name of someone we can contact on your behalf in case of an emergency.
Emergency Contact Phone Number*
Include the phone number of someone we can contact on your behalf in case of an emergency. This should NOT be your own phone number.
Emergency Contact Relationship*
Include the Emergency Contact's relationship to you.
If other, please specify.*

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Personal Background
Why are you interested in becoming a CASA volunteer?*
0 of 250 max characters
In 1-2 paragraphs please provide information about your childhood and your current family situation.*
0 of 1500 max characters
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How do you hope to benefit from this volunteer experience?
Please describe any experience you have with vulnerable youth or their families.*
Please describe any special skills or training you may have aquired through employment, volunteer service, or lived experience.*
This field is hidden when viewing the form
How did you hear about Voices for Children?
Relationship to Voices for Children*
- I know a current or former Voices for Children CASA volunteer.
- I am or know a current or former Voices for Children donor.
- I know a current or former Voices for Children Board member.
- I know a current or former Voices for Children staff member.
- I know a current youth in foster care.
- I know a professional that works with youth in foster care (ex: judge, attorney, social worker, case manager, or group home staff).
- I know a current licensed caregiver (ex: foster parent or relative caregiver).
- None of the above.
Please check all that apply.
Name of current or former Voices for Children CASA Volunteer that you know.*
Name of current or former Voices for Children donor you know.*
Name of current or former Voices for Children Board member you know.*
Name of current or former Voices for Children staff member you know.*
Name of youth in foster care that you know.*
Name of professional that works with youth in foster care (ex: judge, attorney, social worker, case manager, or group home staff) that you know.*
Name of the current licensed caregiver (ex: foster parent or relative caregiver) that you know.*

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Education
I have earned a high school diploma, GED, or certificate of completion.*
- Yes
- No
What is your highest level of education completed?*
Are you a current or prospective undergraduate student?*
- Yes
- No
Please provide name of school, degree program, and expected graduation date.
Are you volunteering to fulfill any school or program requirements? If yes, please provide the requirements of the program, including number of hours required, supervision requirements, and any other specific requirements that will need to be fulfilled by Voices for Children.
Are you a current or prospective graduate student?*
- Yes
- No
Please provide name of school, degree program, and expected graduation date.
Are you volunteering to fulfill any school or program requirements? If yes, please provide the requirements of the program, including number of hours required, supervision requirements, and any other specific requirements that will need to be fulfilled by Voices for Children.
Work Experience
If you are currently employed, please list your title, company, and briefly describe your current role.*
Briefly describe your previous employment roles*
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If you know any children currently in foster care or anyone who currently works or volunteers with foster children, please list their names, your relationship to them, and, if applicable, in what capacity they interact with foster children.*
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Please describe any additional training or special skills you may have acquired through employment, volunteer service, or life experience.

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Activities and Interests
Involvement with Community Service Organizations*
- I currently work for, volunteer with, or donate to a community service organization (non-profit, faith center, or other)
- I previously worked for or volunteered with a community service organization (non-profit, faith center, or other)
- I am planning to work for, volunteer with, or donate to a community service organization (non-profit, faith center, or other)
- None of the above.
Please check all that apply.
Please provide the name and mission of the organization. Please also share about your role and involvement with the organization.*
Please list any hobbies or special interests you have.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Please check all that apply.
- I have strong writing skills.
- I am comfortable speaking in public.
- I have plans in the next two years that might interfere with my ability to volunteer.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Please list any details you would like to share about the statements above.
Time Availability
What is your typical schedule each week? Please include your work schedules, childcare, regular travel, schooling, or other regular commitments during the day, evening, or weekends that you have.*
Ideally, how much advance notice do you need to adjust your schedule to accomodate a meeting during business hours (typically 8-5)?*
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Please share any other concerns you have regarding your schedule and availability.
Driving
The children we serve live throughout San Diego County. It is not unusual for them to move frequently and/or with little notice. All CASAs are expected to be willing and able to drive at least once per month to visit their case child(ren) wherever they are placed.
The children we serve live throughout San Diego County. It is not unusual for them to move frequently and/or with little notice. All CASAs are expected to be willing and able to drive at least once per month to visit their case child(ren) wherever they are placed. Are you willing and able to drive throughout San Diego County to visit your youth at least once per month?*
- Yes
- No
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Please share any concerns or driving limitations you may have.*
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Have you lived outside the U.S. in the past 10 years?
- Yes
- No
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If yes, please list each city and state, as well as the dates you lived there.
Have you lived outside of California in the past 10 years?*
- Yes
- No
Please provide a list all previous addresses. Include both the city and state, as well as the month and year you lived there.*
Have you been issued a driver license in any state other than California in the past 10 years?*
- Yes
- No
Please provide a list of states that have previously issued you license, as well as the years that license was active.*
Do you currently hold a CA driver's license?*
- Yes
- No
Describe the reason you do not hold a current CA driver's license.*
Do you have any traffic violations within the last 4 years (please include all violations in CA or other states or territories)*
- Yes
- No
If yes please include date(s), the violation, and a brief description of the circumstances*
Please share any concerns or driving limitations you may have

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Disclosures
Have you ever experienced what you would consider to be abuse or neglect?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide a brief description of the circumstances including dates and by whom.*
To your knowledge, has anyone in your family experienced abuse or neglect?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide a brief description of the circumstances including dates and by whom.*
Have you ever been in foster care?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide estimated dates and which County/Counties*
Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense or do you currently have criminal charges pending against you? (This includes CA, another state, federal court, the military, tribal lands, or a jurisdiction outside of the United States)*
- Yes
- No
You must disclose all convictions, including reckless and drunk driving convictions, even if it happened a long time ago; it was only a misdemeanor; you didn't have to go to court (your attorney went for you); you had no jail time or the sentence was only a fine or probation; you received a certificate of rehabilitation; the conviction was later dismissed, set aside, or the sentence was suspended.
Please state each charge or conviction, date(s) and location(s) of each offense, as well as any additional details you would like to share.*
Were you ever convicted of a crime as a youth?*
- Yes
- No
Please state the conviction, date(s) and location(s) of each offense, as well as any additional details you would like to share.*
Has anyone you've known been involved in Juvenile Justice?*
- Yes
- No
Please describe the circumstances and their relationship to you.*
Has anyone made allegations of child abuse against you?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide a brief description of allegations, their relationship to you, and dates of the allegations.*
Has anyone made allegations of child abuse against anyone you've known?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide a brief description of allegations, their relationship to you, and dates of the allegations.*
Have you been involved with child welfare services (this includes all allegations, investigations, or charges)*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide a brief description of circumstances, including dates*
Has anyone made allegations of assault or harassment against you?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide a brief description of allegations, their relationship to you, and dates of the allegations.*
Has anyone made allegations of fraud or theft against you?*
- Yes
- No
If yes, please provide a brief description of the allegations, including dates.*
Are you in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction?*
- Yes
- No
Please provide your most recent sobriety date*
Month
Day
Year
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I have had at least one major moving violation in the past four years and/or more than three minor moving violations in the past three years, in California or any other state.
- Yes
- No
- I don't know
Minor moving violations include, but are not limited to: speeding, making an unsafe lane change, and running a red light. Major moving violations include, but are not limited to: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and driving with a suspended, revoked, or invalid license.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Please explain.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
I have been directly involved with a court proceeding in California or another state.
- Yes
- No
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Please explain.
As a CASA volunteer with Voices for Children, I agree to the following:*
- Contact my Advocacy Supervisory (VFC staff member) at least one time per month and additionally when the case necessitates.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding all case information, only sharing case information with VFC staff, the youth's attorney, the youth's social worker, and the judge.
- Submit to the following background checks: LiveScan fingerprinting, including DOJ, FBI, and Child Abuse Central Index (CACI); Social Security Number verification; felony and misdemeanor screen; National Sex Offender database screen; DMV history; out of state checks for any of the above, as applicable; and any other screening required by law.
- I have 2 years driving experience and agree to maintain a valid driver license and insurance.
- To a 12 month commitment as a CASA that does not begin until I complete training, clear all background checks, and are matched to a case?
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Please list any concerns you might have about the above items.
Please note: 1) For applicants who have not lived in the State of California for the past 5 years, VFC will conduct a background check in the previous state(s) of residency. 2) Any applicant found to have been convicted of, or having charges pending for, a felony or misdemeanor involving a sexual offense, child abuse or neglect, or related acts that would pose risks to children or the CASA Program will be rejected.
Volunteers must commit to a three week training schedule, prior to being matched to a case. Training includes group classes, self-paced prerequisite classes, two meetings with your Advocacy Supervisor, and various homework assignments. The total time investment is an estimated 40 hours, which includes some daytime hours. Do you anticipate any challenges with meeting all training requirements?*
- Yes
- No
At this time, much of our application process and all of our training sessions are held via Zoom. Do you have any questions about using Zoom or anticipate any challenges using this platform?*
- Yes
- No
We ask that, if able, volunteers cover some of the costs incurred during their training process. This includes paying for a copy of their DMV driving history from each state (fee are $2 for CA, but may vary by state), fingerprints ($20 if using our partner company AliveScan in Pacific Beach. Fee may vary if using another company), and a fee of $50 to cover a portion of the cost to complete our series of background checks*
- I am able to pay these fees
- I would like to request a waiver for the $50 training fee due to financial hardship

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Policies
As a CASA you are required to maintain professional boundaries with your case child. Therefore, you are not allowed to bring them to your home or place of employment. Additionally, you are not allowed to introduce them to any of your friends or family. Will you commit to this policy?*
- Yes
- No
You are required to keep all case details confidential. This means that you may not discuss details about your case with anyone except the social worker, the child’s attorney, the judge, and Voices for Children staff. Will you commit to this policy?*
- Yes
- No
Voices for Children is an inclusive organization and proudly works with all people regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, culture, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, religious or spiritual creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Will you commit to our nondiscrimination policy?*
- Yes
- No
CASAs are prohibited from discussing spirituality, religion, or non-religious alternatives with your case children. This includes discussing your affiliation with any related groups, such as faith centers and community groups. It is also against policy to transport your case children to any place of worship, including their own. Will you commit to this policy?*
- Yes
- No
Should you choose to spend money while on an outing this money is not reimbursable by Voices for Children. However, we have a strict spending maximum of $25 per child per outing. Will you commit to this policy?*
- Yes
- No
VFC staff and volunteers are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect. This requires that any CASA who has knowledge of, observes, or reasonably suspects a child has been a victim of abuse or neglect must report the instance. Will you commit to this policy?*
- Yes
- No
Do you have any questions or concerns about any of these policies?

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Optional Demographic Data
What is your gender?*
- Female
- Male
- Genderqueer or non-binary
- Agender
- Other (specify below)
- I decline to respond
If other, please specify:
Are there any languages, other than English, that you speak fluently? If so, please list them below.
Fluent is defined as being comfortable and confident to have full conversations with caregivers and professionals related to the case.
What is your employment status?*
- Full time
- Part time
- Student
- Unemployed
- Retired
- Other (specify below)
- I decline to respond
If other, please specify:
What is your highest level of education completed?*
This field is hidden when viewing the form
What is your highest level of education?
Please specify or write "I decline to respond."
What is your military status? (Check all that apply)*
- Active
- Reserve
- Veteran
- National Guard
- Spouse
- Dependent
- ROTC
- Retired
- Former
- None of the above
- I decline to respond
- Other (specify below)
If other, please specify:
Sign and Certify
I certify that the information provided by me in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and I agree to have any of my statements verified by Voices for Children unless I have indicated to the contrary. I certify that I understand that volunteer placement is a selection process and that not all applicants are accepted into the program. I understand that volunteers are selected based on individual ability to meet the responsibilities of the CASA Program. I also understand that because of the confidential nature of the screening process, Voices for Children is not obligated to disclose to me reasons for any decision concerning my acceptance or non-acceptance into the program. Furthermore, I understand that Voices for Children has to consider the best interests of the children first when matching them with CASAs. Thus, I understand that the agency is not obligated to assign to me a child and that submission of this application in no way obligates me to perform volunteer services.
*
- I agree to and accept the terms and conditions above.
Sign & Date (typed signature accepted)*

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