Apply to Become a CASA LA Volunteer Step 1 of 9 11% Thank you for your interest in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate with CASA of Los Angeles! This application will help us assess your eligibility to serve as a volunteer and is a part of the mutual screening process. The information you provide is for internal use only. Your responses will only be used to determine your suitability to serve as a CASA volunteer. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Please complete all sections of the application as thoroughly as possible while keeping to the space allotted for the responses. The application will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. If you haven’t already done so, please review our explanation of the application process, Volunteer Eligibility and Screening FAQs and Frequently Asked Questions. “Attending an information session is mandatory. If you haven’t attended one, you can register for either our online webinar or sign up to attend a live information session here. (Live information sessions are offered in-person and virtually via Zoom.) Your application will be processed only after you have attended an information session.” CASA of Los Angeles promotes equal opportunity for all applicants. In doing so, we comply with local, state and federal laws and regulations to ensure an equal opportunity for everyone. CASA/LA prohibits any forms of discrimination and harassment based upon a person’s protected status. “Protected status” means a person’s race, color, national origin, sex, age (40 and over), religion, sexual orientation, disability (mental, physical, or invisible), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, genetic information (including family medical history), military service, their submission of a complaint, or activity in any Equal Employment Opportunity related activity. Our policies and practices are intended to ensure that all are treated equally, and our decisions are made to further the principle of equal opportunities. IMPORTANT: Do not use your browser’s back/forward button. To navigate the application form, use the “Previous” and “Next” buttons at the bottom of the page. You can save your application and continue it later by clicking on the “Save and Continue Later” button. You must input your email address to have a unique link sent to you in order to return to the application within a 30-day period. If you have any questions, please contact us by emailing volunteer@casala.org or calling 323-859-2888 x6320. You can view the sample application form here I have participated in or registered for CASA of Los Angeles' information session (either the webinar or in-person version)(Required)Yes, WebinarYes, Virtual info SessionYes, In- person info sessionNo, I AM REGISTERED for an upcoming info sessionNo, I HAVE NOT participated in any info sessions“Attending an information session is mandatory. If you haven’t attended one, you can register for either our online webinar or sign up to attend a live information session here. (Live information sessions are offered in-person and virtually via Zoom.) Your application will be processed only after you have attended an information session.” BACKGROUND SCREENINGBecause of the nature of the CASA volunteer role, CASA of Los Angeles thoroughly screens all applicants. The process of initial and subsequent background screening includes: Fingerprinting (Live Scan) Personal interview(s) Reference checks Social Security number verification A local security clearance, which requires a valid CA ID (e.g. driver license) Criminal records (including, but not limited to the local court, CA Department of Justice (DOJ), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)) National Sex Offender Registry Child abuse registries (e.g. Child Abuse Central Index) DMV records Any other investigation that CASA deems appropriate All applicants must submit the required information and authorize a release of information related to the above listed background checks. Refusing to do so will result in a rejection of the application. All applicants accepted for training will be fingerprinted as part of the criminal background check. Criminal history does not necessarily disqualify you from service. However, any applicant found to have been convicted of, or having charges pending for a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or neglect, or related acts that would pose risks to children or the CASA program’s credibility will not be accepted as a CASA volunteer. All applicants are required to have an active California Driver’s License or ID. Do you currently have an active California Driver’s License or ID? Yes No Please contact us at volunteer@casala.org to discuss on how to move forward. Thank you! PERSONAL INFORMATIONEmail Address(Required) Please double check to make sure that your email address is correct. This is the email address we will be using for all future correspondence, including your ‘Save and Continue Later’ application link.Full Legal Name(Required) First Middle Last Nickname/Preferred NamePreferred PronounsPreferred Pronouns GenderWomanManNon-binaryTrans-womanTrans- manPangenderPrefer not to sayLet me typeIf "Let me type" selected- please type belowRace/EthnicityAfrican American/ BlackAsianCaucasian non-LatinoHawaiian or Pacific IslanderLatino/HispanicMulti-RacialNative AmericanOtherUnknownDecline to stateI identify as LGBTQIA+YesNoLanguages SpokenDate of Birth(Required) MM slash DD slash YYYY Do you live in LA COUNTY?(Required)YesNoSan Bernandino and Orange County have their own CASA programs, and we will refer any applicants outside of LA COUNTY to the appropriate programs. Current Address(Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific State ZIP Code Have you lived in any other state(s) in the past 7 years?(Required)YesNoIf yes, please provide addresse(s).(Required)Main Phone Number(Required)Phone Type(Required)CellHomeOfficeOtherAlternative Phone NumberAlternative Phone Number TypeCellHomeOfficeOtherPreferred Method of ContactPhone CallTextEmail EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATIONFull Name(Required)Relationship to Applicant(Required)Emergency Contact Address(Required) Street Address Address Line 2 City AlabamaAlaskaAmerican SamoaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaGuamHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaNorthern Mariana IslandsOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaPuerto RicoRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahU.S. Virgin IslandsVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingArmed Forces AmericasArmed Forces EuropeArmed Forces Pacific State ZIP Code Main Emergency Contact Phone Number(Required)Main Emergency Contact Phone Number Type(Required)CellHomeOfficeOtherAlternative Emergency Contact NameAlternative Emergency Contact Phone NumberAlternative Emergency Contact Phone Number TypeCellHomeOfficeOther EMPLOYMENT INFORMATIONWhat is your current employment status?(Required)Full TimePart TimeSelf-employedRetiredStudentEmployed and seeking other job opportunitiesUnemployed and not seeking employmentUnemployed and seeking employment EDUCATIONAre you currently attending school?(Required) Yes No Currently Applying/Awaiting Acceptance POSITION DUTIESCASA volunteers deal with sensitive issues that may be emotionally demanding. It is important that you possess emotional maturity, self-control and the ability to handle stress; have common sense; are diplomatic, objective and flexible; and exhibit self-assurance and assertiveness. CASA volunteers must be able to interview, observe, listen and analyze written material, write clearly and concisely, and make decisions and set goals. In addition, the CASA volunteer position includes making calls, sending emails, reading and writing reports, composing monthly progress notes and court reports online, attending meetings and traveling to court and visits, etc. Can you perform the functions of a CASA volunteer, with or without reasonable accommodation? *(Required)CASA volunteers deal with sensitive issues that may be emotionally demanding. It is important that you possess emotional maturity, self-control and the ability to handle stress; have common sense; are diplomatic, objective and flexible; and exhibit self-assurance and assertiveness. CASA volunteers must be able to interview, observe, listen and analyze written material, write clearly and concisely, and make decisions and set goals. In addition, the CASA volunteer position includes making calls, sending emails, reading and writing reports, composing monthly progress notes and court reports online, attending meetings and traveling to court and visits, etc. Can you perform the functions of a CASA volunteer, with or without reasonable accommodation? * Yes No CASA of Los Angeles’ core values include deep love for the children and families we serve and a commitment to justice, authenticity, integrity, accountability and respect. Are you able to perform the activities mentioned above in accordance with our core values? *(Required)CASA of Los Angeles’ core values include deep love for the children and families we serve and a commitment to justice, authenticity, integrity, accountability and respect. Are you able to perform the activities mentioned above in accordance with our core values? * Yes No INFORMATIONAL QUESTIONSTime AvailabilityCASA of Los Angeles requires an 18-month minimum commitment. The time demands for CASA volunteers vary with the case assignment. We estimate volunteers devote an average of 15 -20 hours per month to case activities. Activities include phone calls, in-person meetings and online documentation. Court appearances and some case activities will require you to be available, at times, during regular workweek hours (i.e. contact with CASA coordinators, social workers, teachers, therapists, etc.). Court hearings are scheduled in advance and typically, a CASA is given ample notice Are you able to make this time commitment? *(Required)CASA of Los Angeles requires an 18-month minimum commitment. The time demands for CASA volunteers vary with the case assignment. We estimate volunteers devote an average of 15 -20 hours per month to case activities. Activities include phone calls, in-person meetings and online documentation. Court appearances and some case activities will require you to be available, at times, during regular workweek hours (i.e. contact with CASA coordinators, social workers, teachers, therapists, etc.). Court hearings are scheduled in advance and typically, a CASA is given ample notice Are you able to make this time commitment? * Yes No TrainingCASA of Los Angeles’ pre-service training totals approximately 35-40 hours and includes in-person or virtual instruction and online work. You will be able to review and register for the training session that works for your schedule when you get to that stage in the application process. Successful completion of the training is required for acceptance into the CASA program and attendance at all training sessions is mandatory. Can you commit to the training with advance notice? *(Required)CASA of Los Angeles’ pre-service training totals approximately 35-40 hours and includes in-person or virtual instruction and online work. You will be able to review and register for the training session that works for your schedule when you get to that stage in the application process. Successful completion of the training is required for acceptance into the CASA program and attendance at all training sessions is mandatory. Can you commit to the training with advance notice? * Yes No TravelCASA of Los Angeles serves children throughout Los Angeles County. Traveling is necessary as the duties of a Court Appointed Special Advocate include monthly, face-to-face contact with a child wherever the child is residing. Traveling may also be necessary for information gathering with parties related to the case or conferences as scheduled. Are you willing to travel within LA County (including Antelope Valley) in order to undertake your advocacy work?(Required)CASA of Los Angeles serves children throughout Los Angeles County. Traveling is necessary as the duties of a Court Appointed Special Advocate include monthly, face-to-face contact with a child wherever the child is residing. Traveling may also be necessary for information gathering with parties related to the case or conferences as scheduled. Are you willing to travel within LA County (including Antelope Valley) in order to undertake your advocacy work? Yes No Volunteers who transport children or drive on behalf of the organization are required to maintain automobile liability coverage, which satisfies the requirements under California law. In that case, CASA of Los Angeles requires verification of automobile insurance and a valid California driver license. Can you share the story of how you first heard about CASA of Los Angeles?(Required)We'd love to hear about the connection that brought you to us! What inspired you to want to become a CASA volunteer?(Required)Please share what drew you to this role, the experiences or passions that motivate you, and how you hope to make a difference in the lives of children and youth in foster care. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/EXPECTATIONS(Required) 1. I am over 21 years of age. (Required) 2. I am not an approved resource family (foster parent license holder). (Required) 3. Upon successful completion of the screening and volunteer training, I will be expected to serve approximately 15 hours a month for at least 18 months as a CASA volunteer. (Required) 4. I will submit to a background investigation to determine my suitability to serve as a CASA volunteer, including but not limited to, a criminal background check with fingerprinting. (Required) 5. I will participate in on-going supervision and continuing education training classes, cooperating fully with staff and adhering to all agency-approved report-writing criteria. (Required) 6. As an applicant of CASA of Los Angeles, I understand and acknowledge that CASA of Los Angeles is not obligated in any way to accept me into the volunteer training program by submission of this application. (Required) 7. I understand and agree that CASA of Los Angeles retains the right to refuse any individual, if it feels it would not serve the best interests of the child or the program. CASA of Los Angeles is not required to state the reason for declining an applicant into the program if they so choose. (Required) 8. I understand that Rule 5.655 in the 2018 California Rules of Court requires CASA of Los Angeles to inform me that any applicant found to have been convicted of or to have charges pending for a felony or misdemeanor involving a sex offense, child abuse or child neglect must not be accepted as a CASA volunteer. Sign and Certify Please read the statement below and enter your name, today’s date, and signature. I understand that I am applying to be a CASA of Los Angeles volunteer, to serve without promise, expectation or receipt of any compensation for the service performed. I hereby agree to a complete background check, and that CASA of Los Angeles may do whatever is necessary to verify the validity of my statements. Further, I fully consent to the communication and sharing of any information learned about me during the screening process and subsequent service, including with outside people and organizations, regardless of the nature of the information, as necessary to ensure a complete background investigation and protect children and the integrity of the CASA Network. 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 nature of the screening process, CASA of Los Angeles is not obligated to disclose to me reason(s) for any decision concerning my acceptance or non-acceptance into the program. Furthermore, I understand that CASA of Los Angeles has to consider the best interests of the children first when matching them with CASA volunteers. 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 hereby certify, under the penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of California, that the information provided by me in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Type full legal name(Required)Date(Required) MM slash DD slash YYYY Signature(Required) 14583