The Iowa CASA program recognizes the importance of advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. The Iowa CASA program solely provides trained and qualified community individuals to advocate for the best interests of children who come before the court as a direct result of abuse or neglect as defined by the state child welfare laws. All Iowa CASAs must submit an application, provide three personal references, complete a personal interview with CASA staff, pass background checks, complete thirty (30) hours of pre-service training and take an Oath of Confidentiality with a Judge before being appointed to a case.

Contact

Kerry Brennan

Phone Number

563-538-4649

Email

Kerry.brennan@dia.iowa.gov

Website Address

https://childadvocacy.iowa.gov/staticpages/index.php?page=HoeferCoordinator

Volunteer Need 1

Court Appointed Special Advocates Upon completion of pre-service application and training requirements, CASAs are assigned to a case. CASAs meet with the child in person at least once every 30 days and gather information from professionals about the child and case in order to make informed recommendations to the Juvenile Court regarding the best interest of the child. Additional duties include: attending meetings, reading case file information, writing reports for court, and attending court hearings. CASAs average 8-10 hours per month working on a case. CASAs also obtain 12 hours of in-service training each year.