CASA of Allegany County is an independent, court-authorized nonprofit organization. CASA works through specially trained and supervised volunteer advocates to promote the welfare of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment by providing a safety net of support, advocacy and mentoring.

CASA trains and supervises volunteer advocates to speak for the best interests of these children in court. This ensures that each child has opportunity to thrive by receiving needed service and assistance while helping move the child towards a safe and permanent home.

How do you become a CASA?

1. Fill out our application. The application is available online under the Volunteer tab or you can click here.
2. Once the CASA of Allegany County office receives the application, an interview will be set up. This is a casual interview to provide you with more information about the role of a CASA.
3. Attend CASA training. CASA training is offered two times a year. Both day time and evening training are available. Training is one evening a week, for nine sessions. Training includes an online portion every week. Court observation is required.
4. All CASAs undergo a background check.
5. Swearing-in by the Allegany County Court System occurs upon the successful completion of CASA training.
6. A foster child is appointed to you by the Family Court Magistrate.

You can provide insight to what kind of foster child you work with (age, location, etc). From start to finish, this process take several months. However, the impact a CASA has truly lasts a life time.

Over 100 children are currently without a CASA in Allegany County. Please consider becoming a CASA advocate. We ask for a one year commitment to being a volunteer. Approximately 5-10 hours per month are needed and the work is done on your schedule.