Who can be a part of CASA’s work?

(The short answer: everyone!)

Serving as a CASA volunteer

All CASA volunteers must be 21 years old when they are sworn in by a family court judge. All CASA volunteers must submit to CASA of Lexington’s background checks process. Staff will discuss any flagged items in a prospective volunteer’s background checks with them before making a decision about eligibility to serve as a CASA volunteer.

CASA volunteers must complete CASA of Lexington’s 30-hour preservice training, or be an active CASA volunteer with another CASA program that can transfer the volunteer’s training records to CASA of Lexington. CASA volunteers commit to serving for at least two years in order to provide continuity for the children we serve.

CASA volunteers are expected to spend an average of 5-10 hours a month volunteering. CASA volunteers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education credits every calendar year; newly sworn CASA volunteers must complete a prorated amount in the current calendar year based on the month they were sworn in. As part of their continuing education requirements, CASA volunteers complete one training on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion every year.

Working as a CASA staff member

CASA of Lexington does not discriminate in hiring staff on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin (ancestry), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, people with disabilities or physical challenges, cultural status, geographical location or socioeconomic status.

All staff members complete at least 12 hours of continuing education training annually, including trainings on diversity, equity and inclusion; and LGBTQ+ issues.

Serving as a CASA board member

CASA of Lexington board members serve by applying through the City of Lexington. CASA seeks diversity among the membership of its board through inclusive efforts that are reflective of our community. Diverse board membership encourages the exchange of different perspectives and supports social equity in communities.

Serving as a Friend of CASA

Serving as a Friend of CASA simply requires an interest in supporting the CASA mission and willingness to give some of your time and abilities when possible. Friends of CASA can sign up for opportunities and volunteer as much or as little as their schedules allow. There is no age limit on who can sign up to be a Friend of CASA.

Giving to CASA

CASA of Lexington receives close to half of its funding from individual giving and fundraisers. Donations enable hundreds of children to receive a CASA volunteer every year. Many people who cannot support CASA of Lexington’s mission in other ways still show their support by contributing financially to the nonprofit organization.

CASA Clients

Our volunteers serve all children regardless of their race, abilities, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. All volunteers receive training on how to be affirming, positive people in the lives of the children we serve. Volunteers are aware of how families of color and LGBTQ+ youth are over-represented in the family court system. Volunteers also receive training annually to help them identify and overcome their own implicit biases.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CASA of Lexington strives to have a volunteer base, staff and board reflective of the larger community and the demographics of the children we serve. People of all ethnicities, races, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions are strongly encouraged to serve as CASA volunteers and apply for open positions or board seats.

CASA of Lexington’s mission is to ensure every child has a safe, permanent home. The children and families we serve come from every background imaginable and each one is unique. We believe having CASA volunteers, staff, board members, Friends of CASA and donors who are also from a wide variety of backgrounds helps us better serve these children and families.