Volunteer
Change a child's story, become a
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
volunteer today
Change A Child's Story
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. The advocates are community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children living in foster care. These children need safe, permanent homes.
CASA volunteers are ordinary people, most with full-time jobs of their own. They work with one or two children at a time averaging 8 hours per month. No special experience is required. CASA provides thorough training and CASA volunteers work under the direct supervision of CASA staff. Once assigned to a case, CASA volunteers act as a watchdog for the child and become a stable presence in the child's life. The personal attention ensures that the case keeps moving toward a safe, permanent home for the child.
What does a CASA volunteer do?
Advocate for the Child
CASA volunteers are champions for the children they are assigned to. They take the time to get to know the child, their unique needs, and their circumstances.
Investigate and Gather Information
CASA volunteers conduct thorough research and gather information from various sources, such as social workers, attorneys, teachers, doctors, and family members, to make informed recommendations to the court.
Monitor Progress
CASA volunteers monitor the child's progress and advocate for changes or adjustments to the child's placement or services if needed. This also includes monitoring the child's case and the progress of the case.
Attend Court Hearings
CASA volunteers attend court hearings to provide objective reports and advocate for the child's safety, well-being, and permanency.​​
Ensure Appropriate Services
They work to ensure that the child receives the necessary services, educational support, and medical care they require.
Provide Support
CASA volunteers offer support and a consistent presence in the child's life during a challenging and often confusing time.
CASA Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be a CASA volunteer?
Community members over the age of 21 who pass a background check and complete training are eligible to become a CASA volunteer.
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No, our volunteers come from all walks of life! You do not need to have prior experience in the legal or social services field to become a CASA volunteer.
How long is the training?
Pre-service training is 32 hours. After a volunteer has been sworn in by the court, they are required to complete 12 additional hours of training each year.
What is the time commitment?
Around 10 hours a month. This includes visiting the child, working with involved parties, researching the case history, and writing a court report.
What children are appointed?
CASA volunteers are typically appointed to children who are under the protection of the court as a result of abuse or neglect.
How many children will I be assigned?
A CASA volunteer's caseload is typically one child or one group of siblings. Each volunteer has a dedicated CASA Advocate Supervisor to support them.
How long does a volunteer stay involved?
We ask our volunteers to advocate. for at least 1 year. However a volunteer can continue until the case is permanently resolved.
What are the responsibilities?
Key responsibilities include: Advocate for the child in court, investigate and gather information, and monitor the case progress.
Will I have to go to court?
Yes, CASA volunteers will write court reports and attend court hearings to provide their report and advocate for the child's safety, well-being, and permanency.
Why is CASA important?
CASA volunteers are often the one consistent adult in a child's life during their time in foster care, offering stability, guidance, and advocacy when it matters most.
Become A CASA Volunteer
Take the first step in becoming a CASA volunteer by participating in our 30-minute volunteer orientation. During orientation, you'll have the opportunity to learn from our staff and ask questions about volunteering with CASA. Fill out the form below and one of our staff members will reach out schedule an orientation date and time that works for your schedule.
