Every child deserves to have someone in their corner. A CASA volunteer is a trained community member who speaks up for the best interests of a child involved in the child welfare system.
You do not need a legal or social work background to become a CASA. You only need compassion, commitment, and a willingness to learn.
What Is a CASA Volunteer?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate®. A CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interests of a child who has experienced abuse or neglect.
The volunteer gets to know the child and gathers information from the people involved in the child’s life. This may include parents, relatives, foster parents, teachers, caseworkers, attorneys, medical professionals, and service providers.
The CASA then shares fact-based information and recommendations with the court to help the judge make informed decisions about the child’s safety, well-being, and future.
What Does a CASA Volunteer Do?
A CASA provides a judge with a carefully researched background of the child to help the court make sound decisions about the child’s future. Each case is as unique as the child or children involved. The CASA volunteer must determine if it is in a child’s best interest to stay with his or her parents or guardians, be placed in foster or relative care, or be freed for permanent adoption. The CASA makes recommendations to the judge on placement and services so that every child can have a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.
In fulfilling this child-centered role, the CASA performs three separate functions:
A MONITOR who ensures that court orders are being followed and all services are provided in a timely manner and who brings to the court’s attention any new developments, changes, or concerns.
An INVESTIGATOR whose task is to uncover all relevant facts and report them to the court;
An ADVOCATE for the best interest of the child in the courtroom and in the child welfare and social services systems, identifying resources and services in the child’s best interest; and
Does the Child Stay in My Home?
No. CASA volunteers do not provide foster care, and children do not stay in a volunteer’s home. Volunteers visit children where they are currently living. Depending on the case, that may be a foster home, relative placement, residential facility, or another approved location.
How Is a CASA Different From a Caseworker?
Caseworkers and CASA volunteers have different but equally important responsibilities. A caseworker manages the child welfare case, coordinates services, works with the family, and represents the child welfare agency. A CASA is an independent volunteer appointed by the court to focus on the child’s best interests. Because CASA volunteers usually serve only one or two cases at a time, they can spend time getting to know the child and following the case closely. CASA volunteers and caseworkers work together, along with attorneys and other professionals, to support the child and family.
How Is a CASA Different From an Attorney?
A CASA volunteer is not an attorney and does not provide legal representation or legal advice. The attorney fulfills a legal role in the case. The CASA volunteer gathers information, develops a relationship with the child, and provides the court with independent, fact-based recommendations about the child’s best interests. Both roles provide the court with important information, but they serve different purposes.
Who Can Become a CASA Volunteer?
CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. They may work full-time or part-time, be retired, attend school, manage a household, or serve their community in other ways.
No special degree, professional experience, or legal background is required.
Brush Country CASA volunteers must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Complete the required screening and background checks
- Complete CASA training and courtroom observation
- Commit to serving for at least one year
- Maintain confidentiality
- Follow program policies and guidelines
- Be compassionate, objective, dependable, and willing to learn
We value volunteers with different backgrounds, experiences, cultures, and perspectives because the children and families we serve are also diverse.
Do I Need Special Training?
Yes. Brush Country CASA provides the training and support you need before you are assigned to a case.
New volunteers complete 30 hours of initial training and two hours of courtroom observation. Training covers topics such as:
- The child welfare and court systems
- The effects of abuse, neglect, and trauma
- Cultural awareness
- Family engagement
- Courtroom procedures
- Effective communication
- Writing court reports
- Best-interest advocacy
After becoming an advocate, volunteers complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each year.
How Do CASA Volunteers Build Relationships With Children?
CASA volunteers visit the children they serve and take time to learn about their experiences, needs, interests, concerns, and hopes.
With younger children or infants, the volunteer may observe the child’s development, environment, and interactions with caregivers. With older children and youth, the volunteer listens to what they have to say and helps ensure that their thoughts and wishes are shared with the court.
The CASA offers something especially valuable: a consistent adult who continues showing up, listening, and advocating throughout the case.
How Much Time Does Volunteering Require?
Each case is different, but CASA volunteers generally spend an average of eight to ten hours per month on a case. This includes visits, phone calls, meetings, court hearings, gathering information, travel, and preparing court reports. A new case may require more time during the first few weeks while the volunteer becomes familiar with the child, family, and circumstances. Many CASA volunteers work full-time and are still able to serve. Program staff help volunteers understand the responsibilities and manage their schedules.
How Long Does a CASA Stay With a Case?
CASA volunteers are asked to make an initial commitment of at least one year and remain with the case until it is permanently resolved whenever possible.
Children involved in the child welfare system may experience changes in placements, caseworkers, service providers, and other adults. A CASA volunteer can provide consistency by remaining a familiar and dependable presence throughout the case.
What Support Will I Receive?
You will not have to handle a case alone. Every CASA volunteer is assigned a Brush Country CASA Program Supervisor who provides guidance, support, and supervision throughout the case. Your supervisor can help answer questions, prepare for court, review reports, address concerns, and connect you with additional resources.
Volunteers also receive continuing education and support from other CASA volunteers and staff members.
Who Are the Children CASA Serves?
CASA volunteers advocate for children involved in child protection cases because of abuse or neglect. Children may be infants, young children, teenagers, or sibling groups.
Every child’s circumstances are different. CASA volunteers take the time to understand the individual child, their family, their needs, and the connections that are important to them.
Why Does a Child Need a CASA?
Judges make decisions that can have a lasting effect on a child’s life. CASA volunteers help ensure that judges receive detailed, current, and fact-based information about the child and their circumstances.
A CASA can also provide the child with a consistent adult who listens, follows the case closely, and continues advocating for the child’s safety, well-being, family connections, and permanent home.
Am I Ready to Become a CASA?
You do not have to be an expert to make a difference. Brush Country CASA will provide the training, tools, and support you need.
What matters most is your willingness to show up, listen, learn, and remain committed to a child who needs someone in their corner.
Take the First Step
Ready to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer?
Every child has a chance—it’s you.