CASA of Monterey County

Two primary roles are available to student interns. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA); Court Appointed Special Monitor (CASM). Also available in addition to those two roles are assistance with in-house projects

For either role, CHHS student interns must complete the organizations application process/ interview, the required 35 hour training and a full background check.

Once completed the intern will be sworn in by the court and will be assigned to a child if they are accepted as a CASA. Students will be supervised by the Advocate Supervisors and complete advocacy duties through regular contact  (visits, calls and emails) with their assigned child, foster parents, county social worker, schools, etc. In addition they are required to attend court hearings and meetings as necessary.

Students must be 21 by the time the training is completed or very shortly thereafter. They must also make a minimum of an 18 month commitment to the agency, including continuation of work with the children over the summer months at the level of 10-16 hours per month.

The alternative to being a CASA, would be to become a CASM. The initial requirements are the same. CASMs however are not assigned to a specific child as an advocate. They are responsible for monitoring the status of children who do not have a CASA, this role facilitates the finding the best possible CASA for the children, as quickly as possible. This role encompasses communication with social workers, foster parents and occasionally the children. CASMs interact with the entire CASA staff, participate in office meetings and occasionally children's hearings/meetings.

Students must be 21 by the time the training is completed or very shortly thereafter. They must also make a minimum of an 12 month commitment to the agency, including continuation of work monitoring their assigned children over the summer months at the level of 6-8 hours per month.