CASA-NH’s COVID-19 Response and Protocols
Updated October 2021
The safety of our advocates and the children they serve is our number one priority. However, COVID-19 has not put an end to child abuse in New Hampshire and across the country. In fact, CASA of NH is anticipating the potential for a surge of cases this fall and winter now that schools are primarily in person, instead of remote, because teachers are a primary source of reports of abuse and neglect to the state. As a result, CASA of NH has adjusted its protocols and onboarding process to a completely virtual experience as the situation evolves. This page will be updated to reflect our most recent information.
Our Offices and Support
Staff members have returned to their offices with appropriate safety protocols in place in compliance with CDC and state guidelines. At this time, CASA of NH offices are limiting visitors and in-person meetings. Per CDC guidance, unvaccinated individuals who enter CASA offices are required to be masked.
Because visitors are limited, advocates may work with your Program Manager to either schedule an in-person, socially distanced meeting, or a telephone or Zoom call to discuss the details of your case. Regardless of how, CASA staff are here to support you just as they had prior to the pandemic.
CASA-related Court hearings continue to be a mix of in-person, WebEx and telephonic hearings. Although more Court hearings are now being conducted in person, the Circuit Court will continue to conduct some hearings telephonically, and in some situations, allow parties or counsel to participate virtually or telephonically to increase accessibility for parties.
Recruitment, Info Sessions, and Training
Hundreds of vulnerable children went without a CASA volunteer last year, so we couldn’t let COVID-19 slow down our recruitment process. With no foreseeable end to the pandemic, we have pivoted to a virtual onboarding process.
We are conducting virtual information sessions for those who are interested to learn more about CASA and our volunteer opportunities.
Potential advocates can apply online and CASA staff will reach out to schedule a virtual interview.
Our training team has created a completely virtual training experience through Zoom and Google Classroom that has been praised by participants for its “necessary training, discussion, role play, and coaching that is vital to preparing advocates for this role.” Click here to view our training schedule.
See what CASA-NH has accomplished since the beginning of the pandemic:
46
Virtual Info Sessions
254
Applications Received
12
Virtual Trainings Completed
204
New Advocates
Events and Group Activities
After successful virtual events like CASA Cares for the Community or our Annual Celebration, we have learned that we are well equipped for this new age of events. We hope to return to in-person events in 2022 with Snowfest and CASA Cares. Please keep an eye on your email for more details.
Questions regarding COVID-19
