Our team of volunteer advocates are court appointed to advocate for the best interest of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Volunteers learn about the needs of the child for whom they are advocating through talking to other parties to the case, speaking to those that are involved in the child's life, and meeting with the child on a regular basis. With that information they give our local judges regular updates on the child's life and make recommendations in the best interest of the child. 

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THE ROLE OF A VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE 

Advocating for the best interest of the child is the core responsibility of any volunteer advocate. To do this, our advocates are expected to meet with their appointed child on a monthly basis. Additionally, they review all the materials that are submitted in court and will likely talk to other parties involved with the case. The advocate's primary form of advocacy are through written and verbal court reports that are given to the court. In those reports, our volunteers highlight the experience of the child during this time of transition and make recommendations in the best interest of the child.

Our advocates also work under the guidelines detailed in ORS 419B.112. 

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Subject to the direction of the court, the duties of the court appointed special advocate are to:

• Investigate all relevant information about the case;

• Advocate for the child or ward, ensuring that all relevant facts are brought before the court;

• Facilitate and negotiate to ensure that the court, the Department of Human Services, if applicable, and the child or ward’s attorney, if any, fulfill their obligations to the child or ward in a timely fashion; and

• Monitor all court orders to ensure compliance and to bring to the court’s attention any change in circumstances that may require a modification of an order of the court.

HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE

Our volunteers must be 21 years or older, able to successfully pass a background check and child abuse registry check, and complete a 35-hour training program approved by the National CASA/GAL Association. The training consists of both in-person sessions and online assignments. The time required for the online portion may vary depending on your learning style. No prior experience or education is necessary.

To express interest in being a volunteer advocate, please fill out the form below. We will respond to you in the next day or two to schedule an interview. If you have just general questions, give us a call at 541-386-3468 or send us an email training@gorgecasa.org. 

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ESPECIALLY NEEDED VOLUNTEERS (These are not requirements.)

• Those willing to drive long distances to meet with children

• Individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences

• Those that have tribal connections

• Males

• Bilingual individuals ​

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SPRING TRAINING DATES:

Thursdays, May 15 through June 19 from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM. 

There are also weekly homework assignments.

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