Opportunities From: United Way of Pierce County

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a volunteer appointed by the Court to advocate for the best interest of a child who is alleged to have been abused or neglected. In order to do this, the CASA/GAL must investigate the facts of the case, recommend a course of action to the Court, explain the Court's findings to the child, facilitate the resolution of the presenting problems, and monitor progress.

Volunteer in our detention center to work directly with our staff to house juvenile offenders in a safe, secure, and humane living environment where they are cared for and supervised by professional, well-trained staff. We believe that detention, while providing community protection, can also provide residents with an opportunity for constructive and positive change.

Assist a Probation Officer in monitoring juvenile offenders and verifying compliance with court orders. RESPONSIBILITIES: Work directly with the assigned Probation Officer. Provide good, positive role modeling, while maintaining a professional demeanor. Maintain contact with youth, parents, outside agencies and schools, via telephone or in person, and report back to the Probation Office.

Participate as a member of a three-person Board which meets with juvenile offenders and their guardians to explain and offer Diversion as an alternative to Court proceedings. In those cases where families desire Diversion, the referring offense and circumstances surrounding it will be discussed. The Community Board (CAB) will then determine consequences designed to hold the youth accountable.

Assist Guardian Ad Litems in advocacy of children that are involved with the Juvenile Court due to abuse or neglect.  Monitor court orders, visit children to ensure safe and stable home, prepare court reports, attend shared decision making meetings.  Learn about the court system, foster care system and the department of social and health services.  Great volunteer opportunity for people interested in social work, social justice, and advocacy.